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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nIt\u2019s an unpleasant experience for parents to see their toddlers hit them or others. Such behavior is hurtful, sometimes embarrassing, and for many parents, concerning. Parents start questioning themselves: \u201cWhy is my child being aggressive? Am I doing something wrong?\u201d The truth is, toddlers being aggressive is far more common, and almost always, there are some common triggers behind it. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When emotions don\u2019t find ways to express themselves, they splurge out at once. While adults know how to express emotions in a calmer way, toddlers don\u2019t have that level of understanding or words to communicate. Toddlers experience big emotions such as anger, excitement, and jealousy, but they don\u2019t know what to do with them. Since they lack emotional regulation, their feelings come out in actions instead of words<\/p>\n The part of the brain responsible for self-control and decision-making isn\u2019t fully developed in toddlers. This means toddlers will naturally act before thinking. So when something doesn\u2019t go their way, they react instantly, thus hitting acts like a \u201creaction.\u201d <\/p>\n You must have noticed toddlers becoming more aggressive when they are travelling or in a crowded place. It\u2019s because busy environments can overwhelm toddlers very quickly, causing irritability and leading them to hit you. <\/p>\n Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the most accurate. A toddler who is hungry, tired, or overtired is far more likely to hit. At such times what looks like a behavioral issue, may likely be a sign of natural needs. When tolerance drops, the reaction becomes more intense. <\/p>\n The way to react matters more than your toddler\u2019s action. What parents should never do is hit them back, or get aggressive in return. Reacting with similar actions complicates the situation even more. Instead parents should: <\/p>\n Easier said than done, but this is the foremost step towards controlling the toddler\u2019s aggression. When you calm down, you will see your child feel the calm presence and regulate his emotions. <\/p>\n Your smile works as an \u201cencouragement\u201d to them. Remember to never smile at them when they hit you. Take care of your facial expression and keep a straight face. <\/p>\n Instead of only telling your toddlers what not to do, show them what they should do instead. Teach them to gently stroke the skin instead of hitting. Demonstrate soft touch. And most importantly take care of their needs and help them label their emotions. So, next time you encounter such a situation with your toddler, remember these tips!<\/div>\nWhy do toddlers hit? Here are some of the common triggers
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\nThey use \u201chitting\u201d as a means to express themselves
<\/h5>\n<\/p>\nThey can\u2019t control their impulse and get easily frustrated
<\/h5>\n<\/p>\nOverstimulation, especially when surroundings change
<\/h5>\n<\/p>\nUnmet physical needs
<\/h5>\n<\/p>\nHow to control toddler\u2019s aggressive behavior:
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\nStay calm
<\/h4>\n<\/p>\nKeep a straight face
<\/h4>\n<\/p>\nRedirect them
<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n