Sue, mum to Evan is worried about her 2 year old’s
aggressive behaviour towards her and other children at the playground.
“Evan has always been a sweet natured boy but just lately he’s started acting out and last week he pushed a little girl over at the playground. He has the usual toddler tantrums and has started hitting me if I don’t give him what he wants. It’s awful, I have never smacked him and never would so I know he’s not getting it from me and he doesn’t have any older brothers or sisters who he could have learned it from either.
I’m not sure why he’s doing this suddenly or, more importantly, what to do about it. I always thought that discipline was for older kids but I don’t feel I can let it slide, especially if he’s being violent towards other kids in the playground. I always feel so terrible when he hits other kids – all my friends toddlers are such angels in comparison. I’m really scared he’s going to turn into ‘that child’ that bullies the other kids and who doesn’t have any friends.
What can I do? Would anyone have any insight into why he would be behaving like this and what discipline strategies would be appropriate to stop a 2 year old from hitting? His language isn’t that great for his age so explaining the consequences would go right over his head. I’m really hoping it is just a stage but I want to get it over with as quickly as possible!”
Has or does your toddler hit you or anyone else? How did
you deal with it? Did they eventually grow out of it or is it an ongoing
problem? Please share your story here and help Sue find an effective discipline
strategy for Evan. By taking a few minutes to answer some questions you can
help other mums deal with aggressive behaviour in their toddlers. Thanks, Shona
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