Why Do Toddlers Hit? 5 Reasons For That Violent Streak
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The moment you get your baby home after delivery, you’ll look upon him/her as a gentle being who needs to be cared for and protected. However, once babies step into toddlerhood, which is usually between the age of 1 to 3, there are a lot of changes that occur in their personality, especially their behavior. They might start showing a little bit of a violent streak like throwing things around, pushing other playmates or siblings, or even hitting their mothers. And often, this kind of behavior becomes a source of embarrassment for the parents, especially at public places. However, do not worry much since it is quite normal for toddlers to behave this way. Here are a few reasons for that violent streak in your little one:
1. They Explore Their Bodies
As babies grow, they try to figure out what function their own body parts, like hands, arms, and legs, perform. They learn how to grasp things, to apply force and the ultimate outcome of it. Which is why most of their actions are contact related. For instance, when they push a fellow playmate, they actually want to know what kind of outcome this action with a certain amount of force will result in. In short, they are testing the functionality and efficacy of their body parts. However, once they realize that such actions come with a consistent reaction, which is mostly negative, they will eventually refrain from doing it (1).
2. They Do Not Have Self Control
No child is born with self-control. Ask any experienced parent or a caregiver and they are bound to tell you that helping kids to develop self-control does take a really long time. Especially toddlers depend heavily on their guardians or parents to help them manage their brimming emotions and uncontrolled behavior. Because this is a phase where they are learning a lot of new things – like walking, talking – and experiencing a plethora of emotions which they don’t know how to express – like anger, pain, loneliness – all at a rapid pace (2).
3. They Imitate The Adults
It might seem like a normal thing to do when we see parents spanking their toddlers to discipline them. In fact, many of us believe the very reason toddlers misbehave is that the parents haven’t ‘disciplined’ them with corporal punishment. However, such kind of violent behavior by either of the parents or a caregiver can actually lay the foundation stone for violent behavior in toddlers. Since they quickly learn to imitate at this age, it is important that the adults around them do not behave violently (3).
4. They Are Influenced By Online Violence
In this age of mobile phones and gadgets, what toddlers view online has a major influence on their personality and behavior too. This is probably why, at times, even after maintaining their best behavior around their kids, parents are astounded when they find their toddler getting violent in the most unusual manner. Therefore, it is very important for parents to ensure that their little one is not exposed to any violent content either through the internet or even on TV. So, keep a strict eye on the content that your kids watch. If need be, apply filters too so they do not access such content even accidentally.
5. Not In The Pink Of Health
Sometimes your toddler’s violent behavior might not be due to any of the reasons mentioned above. For all you know, it could also be due to something as simple as being really hungry. Toddlers are a bundle of energy. And, in their quest for knowing the world around them, it is easy for them to ignore their hunger pangs until they get severe, making them violent. This apart, lack of sleep, poor health condition, illness, or even the lack of attention from the mother/father can make them resort to violent behavior.
We hope that some of the reasons mentioned here have helped you understand your toddler’s violent behavior better. As much as it might worry, but do not stress too much about it. With a little precaution and proper attention, your toddler will soon be out of this phase. So, good luck with your parenting!
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