Toddlers may hit other children or adults for a variety of reasons. While this behavior might not be desirable to parents, it is actually fairly normal. This type of behavior is usually an emotional outlet for your toddler, especially when he is frustrated and unable to express himself clearly. Other reasons your toddler might choose to hit include reaction to discipline, experimentation, jealousy, or as an attention-getting device, just to name a few.

If your toddler has recently started hitting, there are several things you can do to help curb his aggressive tendencies:

• DON'T SEND MIXED MESSAGES - Don't spank your toddler as punishment for hitting another person. When you do this, all you are doing is reinforcing his response of resorting to a physical action when tempers flare. This will only serve to confuse him, since you are telling him that hitting is wrong, yet you are spanking him as punishment. If you see him hitting, remove him immediately from the situation, sit him down, and let him know that hitting hurts and isn't the right way to resolve any situation. Encourage him to apologize to the person that he has just struck.

• REWARD HIS GOOD BEHAVIOR - If your toddler feels that he isn't getting enough attention, he may resort to hitting in order to get a response. When your toddler plays well with his playmates or communicates with you in a positive way, be sure to praise him and give him your attention.

• HELP HIM WORK THROUGH HIS FEELINGS - Many toddlers will act out physically when they are unable to communicate their emotions clearly. Therefore, you should work with your toddler to help him better express himself and sort through his emotions. Let him know that it is okay if he gets upset when a sibling grabs his favorite toy truck, but that it is not okay for him to hit in order to get it back.

• BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR POTENTIAL TRIGGERS - There are many avoidable triggers that might cause your toddler to hit somebody. If your toddler is tired, hungry or overstimulated, he might be more prone to lashing out at others. Try to avoid scheduling play dates with his friends at times like these. If he is feeling irritable, give him some time to himself so that he can regain control of his emotions.

• KNOW WHEN TO STEP IN - If you see that your toddler is starting to
  become aggressive with his playmates, don't hesitate to step in and diffuse the situation. Put away the toy or game that is causing the tension and gather the children together for a story or snack instead.

Hitting is a normal part of toddler development, but it can be an emotionally trying time for both parent and toddler. If you work with your toddler to help him better express himself and teach him that hitting is hurtful to others, you might be able to minimize this unpleasant behavior.