Why does my toddler hit and pinch me?

Toddlers might bite, pinch or pull hair because they’re excited, angry, upset or hurt. Sometimes they behave this way because they don’t have words to express these feelings. Or they might do it as a way of getting your attention.

Is hitting normal for a 20 month old?

Hitting, scratching, and biting are common toddler behaviors, but that may not be much comfort when your toddler starts terrorizing his playmates – or you. A combination of emerging language skills, a fierce desire to become independent, and undeveloped impulse control is usually the source of the trouble.

How do I get my 2 year old to stop hitting and pinching?

What should you do when your toddler hits?

  1. Restrain them physically. Your instinct may be to physically hold your toddler back when they are trying to hit others.
  2. Remove your child from the situation.
  3. Discuss alternatives.
  4. Redirect.
  5. Provide emotional support.
  6. Prevent hitting before it begins.

Does a 20 month old understand discipline?

At 20 months old, your toddler doesn’t understand punishment or the lesson she’s supposed to learn from it. As such, discipline at this age is really about guidance as your tot learns right from wrong. These simple strategies will help you to show her the way.

Why is my 20 month old so angry?

Temper tantrums usually start at around 18 months and are very common in toddlers. Hitting and biting are common, too. One reason for this is toddlers want to express themselves, but find it difficult. They feel frustrated, and the frustration comes out as a tantrum.

How do I discipline my 20 month old?

Time-Outs & Time-Ins

  1. Hold your child on your lap, facing away from you.
  2. Guide her to sit in a chair and hold your hand on her lap or shoulder.
  3. Instruct her to sit in a chair (or other location) until the time-out is over.

How can I get my 20 month old to behave?

The key to smart discipline is simple: Set clear expectations up front for how you want your child to behave….Build Problem-Solving Skills

  1. Let kids make decisions. Give children the opportunity to make choices as soon as they’re old enough to understand.
  2. Encourage a “try, try again” attitude.
  3. Make them think things out.

What is abnormal behavior for a 2 year old?

Signs to look for include: tantrums that consistently (more than half the time) include hitting, kicking, biting, or other forms of physical violence toward the parent or caretaker. tantrums in which the child tries to injure themselves. frequent tantrums, defined as tantrums that occur 10 to 20 times a day.