hitting

[veda]

My 2 year old son Benjamin hits a lot and it's very frustrating. Sometimes he hits me in the face and if his nails haven't been cut for a little bit he leaves scratches on my face, so now his father and I are more vigilant about trimming his nails. Someone suggested that I pay more attention to him, well I do, and that hasn't changed his bad habit. What do I do? My face is beginning to look like the Bride of Frankenstein or something!! Is this a phase that he'll grow out of? We give him time outs instead of spanking--does that have something to do with it? Help!
Veda

[Rach]

I feel your pain, literally. Willie is in a hitting phase and I have tried lots of things, so I'm gonna be checking this thread for more ideas!

[Godzgirl]

My daughter seemed to want to start getting into that phase because she has hit me a few times. So i make sure that i everytime she does that i correct her and make sure she sees that her hititng me or anybody else is definetly unappropriate. I think it may just take time and CONSISTENCY.

[mom n luv]

I love your sons name :D
With my son Ben, I take the hand that hit and squeeze it till it is uncomfortable not painful, then I hold it and say "We do not hit, hitting hurts." It seems to have helped some.

Veda... hold his hands to his sides and say no and if he can't control himself after this if he is still in a cot/crib place him in there for a short period of time. Either that or make a spot he can sit, sort of like the naughty mat conccept on Super Nanny.

[veda]

I appreciate all the advice, it's wonderful. I've been diligent about giving his time outs whenever he hits and I've also held his hands down and told him a firm "No". I know that this phase will pass. It's a comfort to know that I'm not the only one dealing with this. Having some support from other women is just great.

[veda]

Ben has been hitting less these past few days and I see him stepping into a new stage of his 2 year old self. We have been saying no repetitively to his hitting for quite some time now and it is lessening. YAY! Veda