Parenting

Disciplining an 18 month old

1 to 3 years

Created by
Updated on Aug 29, 2013

My 18 month old son has suddenly started hitting, pushing and pulling hair. He troubles my 4 year old and hits me too when unhappy. I have tried to discipline him by saying no sternly but so far it has not helped. We do not hit the children at all and he has not been around other children to pick up this behaviour.   Please advice how to make him understand that this is not acceptable. If I move him away and say no, he starts to cry and forgets in a few minutes only to return to do the same. He will be starting playschool next month and I would like him to stop this habit as soon as possible. Thank you all in advance.  

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| Aug 30, 2013

Hi Anurima! This could be his way of retaliation to something he does not like. For example he is not getting enough attention at home due to an older sibling or busy schedule of parents, his demands are not being met with, the older sibling does not share his toys with him, or he is being forced to do something he does not like to do otherwise like asking him to follow instructions such as do not disturb when older one is studying, do not touch my stuff, etc. or this could also be a sign of physical/ mental discomfort he is going thru post illness episode. Not being well, constipation, teething etc. are some other indications. it is advisable to assign the child with some work or play while u r busy, no comparison should be done between two kids. Older one should be advised to share his belongings. He should be fine once he starts going to playschool as this is a new chapter of his life n he will be busy doing activities and exploring new things n learning to expand his social circle . He just needs attention, appreciation , love, motivation n care. All d best!

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| Aug 30, 2013

Dear Anurima, Its just a phase, my daughter is alone so relatives said u pamper her a lot thats why such behavior. But this is just an exploring phase where they know they can use their hands to get things done. i too was stressed that time but later i decided to ignore her and gradually she left the habit. But do give him stern looks and then ignore him for a while... This too shall pass. When mothers ignore it really affect them.

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| Aug 30, 2013

Dear Anurima. As rightly mentioned above, it is just a phase n will pass by. My son is 17 months old n has recently started holding my hairs to pull. The time he just holds my hairs, I give a stern look n he leaves my hairs. Immediately I appreciate him with a smile n some compliment. Right now this method is working for me. Hope it works for a long run. As many had told me that tantrums last till 3-4 years maximum. Kids always wants to see smile on their mothers face n wants appreciation for even the smallest thing. So showering affection n appreciation would help.

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| Aug 30, 2013

Thank you Shikha, Deepti and Deepa. I guess this could be a phase and hope he does outgrow it soon. I will try to take it easy. @Shikha, I am sure he will be better once he starts playschool as he will have plenty of new things to focus on. Thank you ladies!

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