Just keep doing what you're doing, and he'll get it. Few 16mo are clear on actions and consequences, and it takes time to sink in. Just be patient.

Hold his wrists, apply uncomfortable pressure. It works like a charm.

OP here. I have tried putting DS down for just a few minutes but he just waves goodbye at me. Its hard to not laugh as he says 'see ya later mom'...problem is the joke is on me. I am going to keep showing gentle (we have a dog so he understands what the means and typically is very gentle with dog) and showing him gentle touch. Last night I showed him gentle when he hit and he gave me a hug so that felt really good. I think I have to show gentle and then leave the room if he is a repeat offender.

Anonymous wrote:

Amaze0707 wrote:Parenting can be extremely challenging, right? Hitting is pretty common in toddlers, and it's not unusual for your LO to drive you this way. Here's some information in case you find some helpful tips to teach your toddler to obey: http://bit.ly/1o3pyfr.

Ugh I made the mistake of clicking the link. It's to Focus on the Family. Vomit.

Np here. I just read the link. Apart from condoning spanking, it's solid advice. It's your husband's approach, which will work better than yours. We deal with hitting with instant time outs in DD's room with the door closed. She stays in there for 1-2 mins. She rarely hits anyone anymore. Also I'm so curious as to what the "counselors" from the link will say when you call! I'm saving that number...

Amaze0707 wrote:Parenting can be extremely challenging, right? Hitting is pretty common in toddlers, and it's not unusual for your LO to drive you this way. Here's some information in case you find some helpful tips to teach your toddler to obey: http://bit.ly/1o3pyfr.

Ugh I made the mistake of clicking the link. It's to Focus on the Family. Vomit.

Parenting can be extremely challenging, right? Hitting is pretty common in toddlers, and it's not unusual for your LO to drive you this way. Here's some information in case you find some helpful tips to teach your toddler to obey: http://bit.ly/1o3pyfr.

Anonymous wrote:PP here - when I did this w/ my LO all I had to do was put him down and turn my back for a few seconds. He did not want to be put down so this was effective. When he got upset, I would just say a quick, "Mommy doesn't like hitting" and then move on to something else.

Yup this. I'd say "do not hit", put her down, ignore for a solid few seconds. Then redirect and distract to something else with lots of enthusiasm. They want attention, good or bad. Help your child get your GOOD attention, and try to "punish" by not giving attention to poor behavior. If you continue to hold you child and grab his arms, you just make hitting a game. Put down, walk away for a minute, come back with a new game to play.

PP here - when I did this w/ my LO all I had to do was put him down and turn my back for a few seconds. He did not want to be put down so this was effective. When he got upset, I would just say a quick, "Mommy doesn't like hitting" and then move on to something else.

Dh's approach seems harsh but yours isn't working.

also teach what a "nice touch" or "gentle touch" is to give alternative

1st time, say "gentle", 2nd time, put him down and walk away.

My DS is 16 months and hits me when I hold him. He thinks its funny. I'd like to stop the behavior but I don't know how. I used to say gentle and hold his harm from hitting, but he just laughs and keeps trying. I could keep up this technique and maybe it just takes time. My DH thinks we should just put him down and leave the room.