As a parent, I’ve come to realize that my toddler sometimes exhibits behavior that can be less than desirable, and I am no longer going to excessively apologize for it. Having worked in various challenging educational environments, including low-income neighborhoods and even an orphanage in rural India, I often wondered about the home lives of my students. I assumed many of them faced neglect, excessive screen time, or a lack of structure, and I was quick to judge their behavior accordingly.
Now, as a mother to a lively toddler named Max, I find myself wanting to shout from the rooftops that he can be a real handful at times, and I’m doing everything right. I strive to create a nurturing and stable environment for him. With a predictable routine that includes regular outings to various play areas, he also attends daycare once a week and a “Mom and Me” class to help meet his social needs—and mine too! Our family dinners and evening routines are designed to foster a loving and structured atmosphere.
In our home, we emphasize kindness and respect; hitting, slapping, and pushing are not acceptable behaviors. However, despite our best efforts, Max has still managed to pick up some undesirable habits. The past few months have been a challenge for me—not for him. He seems completely unfazed by the consequences of his actions. Every time we venture out, there’s a good chance he’ll end up hurting another child. If you happen to be in his way while he’s navigating a slide or enjoying a snack he believes is his, you might just find yourself being shoved or slapped.
In the past, I would have immediately apologized profusely to the other child’s parent, feeling embarrassed and helpless. But a recent revelation has allowed me to let go of that guilt. Max is simply a normal, energetic toddler exploring his world. He is clever, fast, and passionate—he’s just navigating this phase of life using whatever means he can find, including his hands.
I recognize that hitting is not an acceptable behavior. But instead of drowning in guilt or shame, I choose to correct him calmly and move forward. I’m committed to accepting my spirited toddler and teaching him alternatives to hitting while encouraging him to express himself with words and kindness. I refuse to label him as “bad” or “naughty.” It’s my responsibility to support him as his primary caregiver and teacher, and I will embrace that role wholeheartedly.
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In summary, navigating toddler behavior can be challenging, but understanding that hitting is a part of normal development can ease the burden of parental guilt. By focusing on teaching and support, we can foster a nurturing environment for our children.
Keyphrase: toddler hitting behavior
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