20m old - non stop hitting and pushing

[Anonymous]

My 20m old will not stop hitting and pushing. He doesn’t seem to understand when we say “no” or redirect him. I’ve tried so many different ways to responding, including ignoring, and he keeps doing it. Sometimes it’s out of frustration but most of the time, it just appears to be impulsive. It’s driving us crazy!!

[Anonymous]

Keep saying no. But also model alternate behavior. "Say gentle" and show him what is okay.

[Anonymous]

Keep doing what you’re doing. Personally I would say no and impose an immediate consequence like timeout.

[Anonymous]

It’s a phase.

[Anonymous]

He is seeking sensory input. Give him things he can push, "heavy work" to do to satisfy the craving, like pulling a wagon, rearranging heavy things, pushing on a tree or wall pretending to move it like a superhero, create people sandwiches by laying between pillows or mats, give big strong hugs, play tug of war, etc. His body is lashing out and letting you know that he needs to do more pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, climbing. You may be surprised that if you introduce more of the regularly in the day, especially right before the times of day when you usually have difficulty with him, it will smooth right over those frustrating times.

This is how a child's body grows and the nervous system develops.

[Anonymous]

Read about seeking sensory input in children.