When a toddler is grappling with big emotions, mood changes can come on fast and strong. And when those emotions turn physical—meaning your kid resorts to hitting—you naturally want to get them to stop.
“Don’t do that!” you yell. “We NEVER EVER hit!”
But according to the toddler experts behind @biglittlefeelings, your natural instinct to give an equally a big reaction ("Tyler! You stop that right this instant!”) might actually be doing more harm than good. In fact, it might be egging them on.
See, when a toddler physically lashes out, it’s usually because they’re craving attention. And when they hit, the spotlight turns to them. So instead of remembering your harsh words and heeding them in the future, your child learns that hitting = Mama attention. Not what you wanted, right?