My daughter loves other girls and won't ever hurt them intentionally, however she really picks on the boys. She has often been pushed and smashed in the head by other boys and she use to just run away, now she fights back and also just gets in first. It makes it really hard to stand back and let her play, I feel I need to be constantly vigilant and ready to pull her off someone. When this happens I always firmly tell her know and explain how we don't act like that, how she has hurt the boy, I take her away and have a bit of a time in and have a chat. I always apologise to the child and parent and get her to do the same. Then there is one boy who she has always gone for, who has never done anything to her, he is 6 months younger, she use to love him as a baby but as soon as he was walking she was into him. Just after some advice, stories, other situations, general help. I feel like I am doing all the right things and I definitely don't believe in smacking. TIA
2 Replies
Some kids are just smackers, or biters or whatever so dobt feel like its a reflection of you.
She is 2 yrs old and it is most likely just a phase.
However you obviously need to try your best to curb it as its not fair to the other little kids, and its the fastest way to get mums offside!
Talk to her about it at home, alot. Tell her when your having dinner or in the bath or playing. Just keep talking to her and reminding her that 'we dont smack' and also explain why its not nice to hurt other kids. Even find some books that talk about it and read them to you.
When you are going somewhere ask her and remind her about no hitting, and you could even use a reward if she plays nicely and no hitting!
Be vigilant in watching her for a while until she is out of the habit.
The only way I could get on top of this behaviour was shadowing my child and interrupting the behaviour as I saw it about to happen.