Behavior analyst responds: how parents react when toddler hits

Описание: First things first, kids should always know what’s expected of them…at any age. And not just in the heat of the moment when a challenge pops up, but proactively, before it ever happens. When we do this, challenging behavior decreases dramatically.

The second piece is just as important: notice when your child does meet those expectations. Too often, we jump to correct every misstep, which only makes those misbehaviors grow. Instead, start catching the ordinary moments you might overlook, like when your child says “I don’t agree” instead of hitting, or when they get up the first time you ask. That’s the behavior you want to notice.

As your child gets older, you can also introduce proactive consequences. Keyword: proactive. That means you’ve explained them ahead of time, not thrown out in frustration after behavior shows up. You don’t need to lecture or say things like, “Now you don’t get ___, I told you not to ___!” Stay calm and let the consequence do the talking.

And I’ll add this: I don’t talk about consequences lightly, because when parents don’t have enough context, they often miss the mark. Done right, they can be incredibly effective. Done wrong, they can backfire. That’s why it’s so important to pair them with proactive teaching and reinforcement first.

P.S. If we haven’t met yet—hi! I’m Jenna. I’m a behavior analyst, teacher, and mom.

I started this account to help parents and educators with practical, evidence-based strategies that actually work, so you can enjoy more peaceful days without constant power struggles.

So if you’re looking for real-life, easy-to-follow tips (without the fluff), you’re in the right place!

Stitch with SydneyGrant TT

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