21Month Hitting

While it definitely is a phase you need to continue to tell him, "No hitting," or "We do not hit," remove him to timeout and take away the toy, otherwise he has no disincentive to stop hitting.

And you're right, his not being very verbal is a problem for him, encourage him to use his words, to express "I want this" or whatever it is. In a few months his spoken vocabulary will more than likely explode and he'll be better able to make his wants and needs known and hopefully will have less of a desire to hit. Until then just be consistent so he knows what you expect.

It really is a phase. This same question was also asked sat night.. Check out her question and answers.

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/12318727924021919745

We started to teach my kids sign language at his age just simple things like more, drink, eat, ..you can try that . Also are you sure that your five year old is being nice, its pretty hard to have patience when your 5 with a 2 year old. I would separate them. Also lots of positive reinforcement for sharing , being gentle, teaching him what he should be doing instead of punishing him for what he shouldn't be doing. Nelson has lots of great books on positive discipline, and what to expect at two, three, four.... Good luck.

This doesn't have to be a long phase. Swat his hand firmly when he hits so it stings and say a clear "No hitting." If he does it again, swat him firmly on the butt. Most likely the next time his fist goes up to hit and he hears "No!" He'll drop the hitting hand immediately. It took one try with each of my three, and their many cousins. I've never had to hover or intercept in groups of kids, and none of them grew to think hitting was OK (Neither did my husband or I). Kids are smart. They know a consequence to their actions when they get one. They're not "confused by the irony of hitting for hitting" as non-spankers claim. But if you use words and redirection and toy removal or time outs at this age, he could be hitting a very long time because none of those consequences are scary, and kids naturally love to exercise aggression when frustrated. I would personally nip the habit sooner than later. He's almost two (and getting more stubborn by the hour). He's not too young to obey "no hitting". I taught all mine by 18 months.

Do you limit his opportunities to hit. For example watch when he's tired and/hungry and remove him from the situation before his frustration escalates? What overwhelms him? Try to limit those sorts of situations. Perhaps there are times he needs to play by himself or help you in the kitchen instead of playing with brother while you fix lunch.