I have a two year old little boy who can be the sweetest thing or a complete bully. We go to the park and he pushes and hits and it drives me crazy. I am on top of him to the point that some people think I am nuts but I dont want him to think it is OK. I explain that he cannot hit and to do easy and say sorry. He always does it. He is unpredictable some days he is great and others he is not. I understand that he is only 2 but I dont want him to turn into a brat or be that kid that know one wants around.
Any suggestions would be great!
Thank you,
J.
Thank you all for the advice. It is good to hear others go through the same things. I took a couple days off from doing anything outside of the home with my son. We had some quality time and when he was hitting or pushing me or his baby brother I handled it and that was it. We went to the park today and he seemed to listed a little bit better. I warned him as we approached the park and when he started I repeated it to him. I have done this in the past and it did not work but I think the time off from being around the other kids helped re-focus him!!
Thanks again for all the responses!!
J.
when he hits or pushes, scoop him up and leave the park. he'll be kicking and screaming, but he'll get the message after a couple times.. make sure you tell him "no hitting, now we have to go because you hit". warn him ahead of time too before it happens.. that way eventually you can warn him and it will stick..
J.,
Just keep on top of it, like you're doing, but just don't 'over-react.' We parents can overreact to any situation that comes up. Don't worry, you're doing right by staying on top of it. If you see that the bad behavior occurs more often, you may want to try a new punishment - bad behavior = no going to the park, or the store, etc: I'm sure you get the picture. I still do that, every once in a while, with my daughter (and she's 10).
Just tell him ahead of time the rules, and if he hits, pushes, etc, it will be time to go, then go if he does it. No second chances. It works really quickly if they lose their fun immediately. I only had to leave the park once for each of my boys, then it never happened again. Good luck, remember, it is just a stage.
Hi, J. -
Watch the Nanny. She's sooo good.
:)
Tell him that next time you are at the park and he hits someone you will go home immediately and keep your word. Or, take something else away from him either a toy or a trip to the toy store, etc. I used to drag my son out of playgrounds kicking and screaming if he did something like that and after a couple of times he stopped doing it. It can be embarrasing but the end result is rewarding.
