Hello!

My 2.5 year old hits, pushes, pinches and bites after numerous attemps to stop this behaviour. I’ve tried several different approaches and nothing seems to work. Timeouts are the only thing that sort of works but he will then do it again later even though he is genuinely remorseful at the time and always apologises. I’d love to hear how other mothers have dealt with this as it’s getting to a point where I’m not wanting to take him anywhere. I should add I’m not against spanking and he will get a tap on the hand every now and then but I feel this is not an age appropriate punishment for him as it is what I’m trying to discourage in the first place. Thanks

Posted by anon, 14/09/13

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  • any improvement with the behaviour?


  • Has any of the advice below helped?


  • I think giving the same repeated message will work


  • Had any luck with getting him to stop?


  • how did it end up?


  • How is your 2.5 year old now?


  • What did you end up doing?


  • I hope some of the advice below helps.


  • Start taking away his favourite toys each time.


  • I think all little ones will go through this stage, you just need to let them know how wrong it is and go mad at them when they do it


  • Wanted to know aswell, thanks for posting.


  • Sorry i dont have any advice, but just words of encouragment. Hope he grows out of it fast. Clearly you are doing everything you can. I find my health nurse often has good advice maybe give her a call. Hang in there


  • I would make him stop what he is doing and tell him that is not a nice way to behave. Tell him how you would like him to behave (eg play nicely with his friend). I have found repetition of your expectations is the best way to teach young children good behaviour.


  • Its the age, boundary pushing. My daughter (now 5) used to do it around the same age and now my son does all of those but he also scratches. Most times he does it, he is overly excited about something like if we are tickling him, he will be laughing, but also bite or scratch us. We stop immediately and tell him its wrong, and we too use the time out chair. He will eventually grow out of it.


  • I have heard that this can often be a way of communicating… Maybe book in to see a speech therapist or someone similar just to be sure


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