18 Month Old Hitting - Elkridge,MD

Hitting and overhand throwing are a completely natural developmental stage for babies. They are compelled to do it, and it is helping her increase her eye-hand coordination and gross motor skills. To her, it probably does feel like a game.

I would re-direct. Give her targets to throw things at or into. Give her a soft object, like a particular pillow, to hit. When she starts hitting, say, "We don't hit people (or pets). Here, let's hit this pillow!" And then giggle along with her as you help her pound the heck out of it. This worked well for my grandson when he was in that 4-month-long stage. But it did take frequent reminding what the acceptable targets were.

Hitting and throwing are both normal. For throwing, you need to let her know what and when she can throw and redirect when she is throwing inappropriate things. For hitting, you just say something like 'hands are for (insert whatever you like here) and redirect her to something she can do. It's a stage. Punishment will not get her through it any faster and will make you and her more frustrated.

Model the behavior that you want her to learn...if she hits you or a pet...take her hand and show her how to touch softly...why telling her that you want her to use "gentle touches".
Talk to her about how it hurts other peoples feelings when she throws things or hits them. Toddlers are not too young to start to understand how their actions affect others and about being empathetic.
Get down on her level...eye to eye...and in a deep, unemotional voice, tell her "We don't hit" or whatever phrase you want to use. Don't react if she laughs or acts like it is a game. And don't bother putting her in "time out"...I just think that is such a waste of time..it takes what could be a teaching moment and just turns it into frustration on both of your parts. Believe me she is NOT sitting in time out and thinking about how wrong she was to hit or throw...no she is getting madder and more upset and of COURSE the actions will continue when she gets out!!
You should also see if frustration or anger is leading her to hit or throw...and help her learn acceptable ways to deal with those emotions. They are "wrong" but she needs to learn the "right way " to express them.
Tell her to "use her words".
Good luck...this is nothing new...every mother of an toddler knows exactly what you are going through!!

It sounds like a typical 18mth old to me but maybe give her time's she can hit things, playing in the backyard and when that time is over make sure she knows that now it's time to be gentle and demonstrate to her that it's okay sometimes to be rough but other times (with pets etc.) we have to be gentle. Hope that helps!!

Hitting and physical communication is very common in young children before they can express themselves verbally! So I use the "nice touch" approach!

In addition to "time out" where you separate the child from the other children and toys, showing "nice touch" and having her practice stroking your face gently". Or if you have a dog or cat she can practice "nice touch" while gently stroking their fur, or maybe she has a baby doll she can mimic nice touch from you demonstrating first?

Make sure that she can see your mouth, pronounce everything clearly. Have her repeat your words and sounds back.

Demostrate "gentle hands".

she hits
you say "no hit. hitting hurts"
take her hands in yours, run her hand along your arm-
you say "we touch gentle. gentle is good"

she throws
you say "no throw. throwing is dangerous"
take the toy and set it down "look mommy set down the toy. soft. gentle"

repeat over and over and over- she'll get it.

good luck

I agree with most of the previous posts but I would add something about time outs. At my daughter's 15 month appt, I expressed concern to our pediatrician about my daughter biting, hitting, etc. She said to say a firm no and move on, that time outs aren't effective since she won't really understand them. However, I tried doing it about a month ago when she was touching some bottles she wasn't supposed to. I had to put her in time out a couple times but I've noticed now that she stays clear of the bottles even when she's close. I certainly don't think it can hurt.