When Kids Hit (and What to Do Instead) It doesn’t come out of nowhere. Most of the time, it happens fast. A toy gets taken. Something doesn’t go their way. A feeling builds—and they don’t quite know what to do with it. So it comes out the only way they can in that moment. Hitting is one of those behaviors that can feel overwhelming to respond to. Not because it’s unusual— but because it happens so quickly, and often before kids have the language or tools to handle what they’re feeling. This isn’t about labeling behavior. It’s about understanding what’s underneath it— and giving kids a different way to respond. 🧠Why Kids Hit Young children don’t naturally have the skills to: regulate big emotions communicate frustration clearly pause before reacting So when something feels too big— they react physically. That doesn’t make it okay. But it does make it understandable. ✋ What Helps Instead The goal isn’t just to stop the behavior. It’s to give them something else to do instead . 1. Stay...
