Preschoolers Hitting

Preschoolers Hitting

• Some preschoolers hit others. This is violent behaviour and is not acceptable.
• Hitting is a behaviour which is copied from others.
• Children hit for a variety of reasons. They may be seeking attention, wish to feel powerful, are searching for revenge or don't have the skills to get what they want in another way.
• Children who hit have learnt that violence is powerful and gets them results. They may not understand the link between their actions and the consequences for them and the person being hit.
• It is negative behaviour and is likely to attract other negative behaviours such as anger, losing friends and being hit back.
• What can you do?
  • Give children positive attention when they behave appropriately.
  • Make sure they have lots of opportunities to do positive things for others.
  • Help them make friends.
  • Show them how to be kind.
  • Avoid power struggles with children.
  • Learn about forms of discipline other than physical punishments.
  • Set clear limits and logical consequences, eg 'No hitting' and 'When you hit someone you hurt them and you need to play on your own for a while'.
  • Show children how to solve problems with words.

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Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

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