For the most part, it can be frustrating, embarrassing, and sometimes frightening but this type of behavior by toddlers is a normal phase that they all pass through. This is considered as a part of their growth development and usually, this will result from a frustration at not being able to express themselves such as wanting your attention or wanting to cry.
Even though this phase can hit anywhere 14 months and up, it can be more noticeable when the child is exposed to others such as in a social setting or even in a childcare center. There are children who are linguistically advanced for their ages but they are still children meaning they will be prone to the same frustrations as others.
Not overreacting is the first rule of thumb you should follow. Spanking can only add fuel to the fire which means that although there are different schools of thought about spanking, this is not a situation where it is appropriate. What you can do is give them a time-out and to prevent them from kicking anything or stomping on the floor, you should give them about two minutes worth on a chair. Doing this will also give you a chance to calm down. Do not speak to them during the time-out but you can explain when you sit them down that the reason for this time-out is because they have bit/kicked/hit someone and that is not allowed.
When the time is up, explain to them again, that the behavior is not acceptable, because it hurts other people. It's not of much use to ask them how they would feel if someone bit them, since a toddler is unlikely to be able to relate cause and effect, then apply it to themselves. But if you use a non-confrontational punishment and explanation, then this will tell them what will happen if they do it again and will tell them what they did wrong.
If they go right out and repeat the action, take them back for another time-out. It would depend on the age of the child but what you can do is explain the concept of apologies and why they should make one. Use positive reinforcement by praising them for an apology (even if it comes as a kiss), or for going right out and giving their toy to the child they kicked.
Even though this phase can hit anywhere 14 months and up, it can be more noticeable when the child is exposed to others such as in a social setting or even in a childcare center. There are children who are linguistically advanced for their ages but they are still children meaning they will be prone to the same frustrations as others.
Not overreacting is the first rule of thumb you should follow. Spanking can only add fuel to the fire which means that although there are different schools of thought about spanking, this is not a situation where it is appropriate. What you can do is give them a time-out and to prevent them from kicking anything or stomping on the floor, you should give them about two minutes worth on a chair. Doing this will also give you a chance to calm down. Do not speak to them during the time-out but you can explain when you sit them down that the reason for this time-out is because they have bit/kicked/hit someone and that is not allowed.
When the time is up, explain to them again, that the behavior is not acceptable, because it hurts other people. It's not of much use to ask them how they would feel if someone bit them, since a toddler is unlikely to be able to relate cause and effect, then apply it to themselves. But if you use a non-confrontational punishment and explanation, then this will tell them what will happen if they do it again and will tell them what they did wrong.
If they go right out and repeat the action, take them back for another time-out. It would depend on the age of the child but what you can do is explain the concept of apologies and why they should make one. Use positive reinforcement by praising them for an apology (even if it comes as a kiss), or for going right out and giving their toy to the child they kicked.
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