Slapping in the face

Jaime - posted on 02/22/2011

I am a mother of 2. I have an 8 year old and a 3 year old. I didn't have to deal with too much slapping, because every I wouls sternly say "no hit" and put my child down. Even if they wanted me to pick them back up, I would say "hitting hurts". After 1 to 2 mins I would pick the child back up and ask for a hug. " hugging feels good" would be the way we ended the ordeal. I think my kids never really got into to hitting phase, because they understood early on that I would not keep holding them if they hit. Keeping the words simple also helps. Giving too much of a reaction only prolongs the problem,because the slapping is done to get areaction. It's like cause and effect for toddlers. Be consistant and good luck.

Deepti - posted on 02/17/2011

hi Shirley, this is absolutely normal on part of your child. the best way to deal with this problem is to take it calmly and without any harsh reaction as the child is innocent. you may do something which wud divert her attention or u may also pretend that u have got hurt because of the slap and u r feeling the pain... this might make her understand that she should not slap.
for suggestions on such issues and child development in general go to:http://perspectiveofdeepti.blogspot.com/

the site explains child related concepts very well.

Tracie - posted on 11/28/2010

I just say "Gentle hands, Alex" and stroke his hand down my face, or I stroke his face gently. Then you quickly change the subject, either with some tickly hands or a 'what was that?' It is just a stage and I like what Shirley put about baby ready to play games and being sociable, Teach her to 'high five' instead. I love this age! have fun :-)

Kathryn - posted on 09/05/2010

hi, my son is 1, he used to do the same, as he is so young he doesnt understand no so, i just gave him the slightest slap on the hand and he has never done it again. i know u should never smack a child but a little tap on the hand never hurts. i would say it is normal for the age but i would let her keep doing it. hope this help.

Michelle - posted on 04/27/2009

My son does this CONSTANTLY... he slaps and scratches at the face... I just have to gently grab his arm when i see it coming... not sure what else to do.

Katherine - posted on 04/17/2009

thats good i think my lil man probaly dose as he sees my older children doing it when they rough play im glad u found the info u needed

Shirley - posted on 04/17/2009

thanks Katherine :0) I was reading and found that it's normal that, they are ready to play this is most likely normal behavior. This means that she makes good eye contact, loves to be held and cuddled, is interested in games played with other people, seeks out the company of others and perhaps has an early word or two. In tis context, slapping or hair pulling that only happens once a day can be part of exploratory behavior that you will see more of as she enters toddlerhood. So we don't need to worry :0)

Katherine - posted on 04/17/2009

hi i have the same trouble with my 13 month old boy i olso have another 3 children my 2 older children did this my baby has just startied doing it it is a game but not a very nice also i found with the older childern when they done it as bayes i let them get away with it then tehy startied doing it when they wontied to get there own way.

so i have now learnt as soon as i see the babys hand coming to hit or he is going to pinch me i stop it by removing my self away form him so he cant do it

this may not help u but it is worth a try good luck