11 1/2 month old hitting

[NicoleWisconsin]

My son is 11 1/2 old and has recently developed a habit of hitting. He thinks it is funny to hit, especially in the face.

Is this a normal stage?

We have disciplined by taking hold of his wrist (so he can not hit) and saying, "No!" in a stern voice. Is this appropriate?

[maggieb]

It's a totally normal stage. I think it's more about cause and effect than anything. He wants to see what happens when he hits.

Sounds like you're doing the best thing. Make it as unemotional as possible, but firm. Oh, and make sure you're on his level and look him in the eyes when you say it.

One thing that sounds silly that worked for us was we talked to Helena's dolls a lot. We would tell one of her dolls, "We don't hit people. It hurts. No, no." Well, Helena would say no, no to her dolls and I think it helped her get the message without us telling her. We talked to the doll at random times, not when she had just hit.

He'll get through this stage. Good luck.

[ButterflyJen]

Good to hear - our DD is hitting a lot now too (she's 10-1/2 months).