Toddlers hit, bite, push and pitch fits. Even though it's completely normal, you can dial down these behaviors by how you respond to them. 

You can teach your toddler that it's ok to have strong feelings but it's not to hit, push, and bite. It takes a lot of grit to respond to your toddler without losing your cool. (but I know you can do it!) (have you registered for our Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool workshop?

The next time your toddler smacks his sibling, take a deep breath, actually, PAUSE. Then . . . 

1. comfort the child who was hit. 

Next, attend to the hitter:

2. Name the feeling--"You're really angry that you can't play with the truck."

3. Teach boundaries - It's okay to feel angry BUT it's not okay to hit Jake." "I'm going to move you over here so no one gets hurt. You can play with your puzzles and blocks."

4. This next point is key. Don't try and chat about misbehavior when your child is all worked up. He can't 'hear' you. 

At another time, when everyone is calm, chat about how to manage a similar situation in the future without hitting. 

Let your child share his ideas, and offer solutions, no matter how kooky they are. You can even role-play and demonstrate other ways of responding to frustration.

Don't expect your toddler to handle things better in the near future. Real change takes time. But now you have a model to follow when tricky moments occur.  

Have a great week!

Talk soon, 

Dr, Cathryn