I would like to start this post by apologizing to my Mom. For all of the times that I was rude, inconsiderate, mean, disrespectful, ungrateful, or sassy. And I know that I was all of these things at one time or another. I was a horrible teenager and was not nice to my Mom at all.
Mom, I am so sorry. I realize now how that behavior must have broken your heart because I am currently getting it right back from my daughter. Sigh.....Karma is a bitch.
Mary Francis has started hitting. And by hitting, I mean slapping, open-handed, across the face, hard. While saying, "NO!" in her sassiest voice. And she only does it to me. Over and over again. She hits me while we are playing and having fun and then laughs in my face when I attempt to discipline her. She also hits me when I won't let her have her way and when she gets mad.
I know that she is only 16 months old and that I should not take this personally, but it is really upsetting. I've tried everything within the reasonable realm of disciplining a young toddler:
- I've tried holding her hands firmly, staying calm and telling her "No hitting. It hurts when you hit Mommy. Only hugs and kisses please." Repeatedly.
- I've tried time out (what a joke at 16 months!).
- I've tried walking away.
- I've tried praising her when she does sweet things like give me hugs and kisses.
- I've tried re-directing her.
This behavior seems to be getting worse every day. I'm getting close to my wits end and was near tears this morning. I know parenting is hard, but I just didn't expect this yet. I love what a wonderful, smart, energetic, adorable, hilarious, willful, independent child she is becoming. I'm grateful that she is not hitting other kids, or her daycare providers, but it hurts me so much that I am the target of the hitting. It also makes me feel like a completely terrible mother because I can't get her to stop.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would love them.
Poor Linds! I have to admit that I'm laughing a little (but not *at* you, I promise!) Cooper hit *a little* and Graham does some, but not enough to be an issue yet. I think you're doing the right things with the hand holding and saying "No hitting." This is what I did with Cooper. If she does it again right after that, that's when you walk away. At this age the more you react, that more she will do it. It's most definitely a phase, but it's no fun for us. xoxo
ReplyDeleteP.S. That was nice to apologize to your sweet mom... :)