Dr. Ana Aznar
Question:
Tips on toddler aggression, when to worry? He's hitting, biting, screaming, etc., but I did read online that some toddlers go through this and just grow out of it. But when should I be scared it's more than that?
Dr. Ana’s Answer:
Many toddlers bite, scream, and hit. They do it mostly because of two reasons. One, toddlers are gaining independence, but they still need a lot of help. At the same time, we tell them ‘no’ many times a day (e.g., “you can’t go here”, “don’t touch this…). Two, they still don’t have the verbal ability to say what they are feeling. And so, hitting and screaming is their way to communicate what is going on with them. As their communication skills get better, these behaviours usually decrease.
How to handle them? Every time he hits or bites, calmy but firmly tell him: “No, you cannot bite”; ‘You don’t hit”. If you tell him every time he behaves this way, he will stop doing those things. It is very important to be consistent and tell him this every time he does it. Do not give him a big reaction when he does those things, because a big reaction (even if it is negative) will reinforce the behaviours. And behaviours that are reinforced, will be repeated.
I wouldn’t be too concerned by it. If as his communication skills get better, he continues to do it, then it is a good idea to discuss it with his doctor.
You may also find these articles useful:
- Can You Discipline a 1-Year-Old?
- How to Discipline a 3-Year-Old
- How to Discipline Your Child: An Age-by-Age Guide
- Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children: A Guide for Parents
I hope this information helps. I wish you both all the very best.
Love,
Ana
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