Parenting Expert Shares Method to Stop Toddlers From Hitting

September 30, 2026 - 05:15

A child behaviourist has offered guidance for parents dealing with toddlers who hit, focusing on a single consequence that adults need to follow through with during an episode.

The expert, known as Liv, works as a parent teacher and child behaviourist. She explained that hitting is common among toddlers because they often lack the language to express big emotions. When a child lashes out, the goal is not to punish but to teach.

According to Liv, the key is to remove attention immediately and calmly. When a toddler hits, parents should set the child down or step away without giving a long lecture or showing a strong reaction. This acts as the consequence. The child learns that hitting ends the interaction they were enjoying.

She noted that many parents accidentally reinforce the behaviour by reacting with shock, yelling, or giving lots of explanation. That attention, even negative attention, can make the hitting continue.

Instead, parents should stay neutral, keep words short, and return to the child once everyone is calm. Later, when the child is settled, parents can name feelings and suggest alternatives like using words or asking for help.

Liv stressed that consistency matters more than intensity. Every time hitting happens, the same calm consequence should follow. Over time, toddlers learn that hands are not for hitting and that other ways of communicating work better.