Why Does My Toddler Hit Me But Not Daddy?

Published date:

2022-10-29
Score: 4.81/5 (50 votes)

Are you searching for an answer to the question: Why does my toddler hit me but not daddy? On this page, we've collected the most accurate and complete information to ensure that you have all of the answers you need. So keep reading!

You may wonder, why does a toddler only hit one parent? Turns out a lot of it has to do with her age. Experts say it's typical for toddlers to make the parent who's with them the most their main target for bad behavior.

Similarly one may ask, why do toddlers act out more with mom than dad? Toddlers Feel More Comfortable Around Mom

According to Karen Dudley, a child-development specialist at UCLA who spoke with Parents.com, children feel more comfortable expressing how they feel around the primary caregiver. In most cases, this is usually the mother.

Besides above, how do you discipline a toddler that hits you? If they hit again, remove them from the situation. You can even hold their hands and say, "I will not let you hit." "When you discipline your kid every time [they hit, they'll] learn that there's no excuse for violence," says Dr. Schechter.

Likewise, what is the daddy phase? The stubbornly uttered phrase of, “Daddy do it, not Mommy!” is familiar to many parents of little ones, and it's hard not to take it personally. But it's good to know it's quite common.


What are signs of behavioral problems in toddlers?

Signs and symptoms of challenging behaviour

  • defiance (e.g. refusing to follow your requests)
  • fussiness (e.g. refusal to eat certain foods or wear certain clothes)
  • hurting other people (e.g. biting, kicking)
  • excessive anger when the child doesn't get their own way.
  • tantrums.

Why do kids behave worse for mom than dad?

Annie explains that kids tend to play up more with their mothers than their dads or grandparents because they may not offer the same degree of safety as Mom. “There may be a sense that unless they behave immaculately with dad or grandparents, they may leave, to go to work or go home,” she says.

How long does the daddy phase last?

The phase can start as early as six to eight months and continues until around age two – when object permanence is fully established.

How an angry mother affects a child?

Children react to angry, stressed parents by not being able to concentrate, finding it hard to play with other children, becoming quiet and fearful or rude and aggressive, or developing sleeping problems. You should never physically hurt or punish your child, no matter what they have done or how angry you are.

Why does my toddler hit me in the face?

Toddlers are short on both language and social skills, and when they play together they can easily become frustrated. When they lack the ability to express what's wrong in words, hitting and other types of aggression sometimes result. It is developmentally normal for toddlers to hit.

Why does my toddler hit me and laugh?

Laughter is one of the ways children release their feelings of fear, so hitting is sometimes accompanied by laughter—your child is trying hard to release tension, but can't laugh it away fast enough to stop themselves from launching a hit or two. Most children hide their feelings of fear at an early age.

Why does my 2 year old keep hitting me?

I've seen my toddlers hit in frustration, because they want something, defending a toy from someone, to get food, to nurse, or when they didn't get their way. Unfortunately, sometimes your toddler may also be too tired, hungry, or overstimulated to show any kind of self control.

What do you do when your child is physically attacking you?

Clearly Communicate Consequences For Abusive Behavior

“If you hit me, throw something at me, or otherwise hurt me physically, that's called domestic violence and assault. Even though I love you, I will call the police and you will be held accountable for your behavior.”

What does parental emotional abuse look like?

Emotional abuse describes a pattern of behavior that damages your self-worth or sense of emotional safety, including constant criticism, threats, rejection, name-calling, or withholding of love and support.

Why do kids hit one parent and not the other?

Often when kids act up with one parent, it's because they are struggling with self-confidence. They feel weak, so they target the parent who has less power. It makes them feel powerful and in control.

Why do kids listen to one parent but not the other?

It's not uncommon for children to prefer one parent over the other. Sometimes this is due to a change in the parenting roles: a move, a new job, bedrest, separation. During these transitions, parents may shift who does bedtime, who gets breakfast, or who is in charge of daycare pickup.

Why does my toddler hit his dad?

Toddlers are short on both language and social skills, and when they play together they can easily become frustrated. When they lack the ability to express what's wrong in words, hitting and other types of aggression sometimes result. It is developmentally normal for toddlers to hit.

Why do toddlers reject their mothers?

They just mean that they are struggling with learning to control their emotions and their behavior. If you don't take it personally, then you aren't likely to overreact or overly dramatize the rejection. You can just accept that this an aspect of being a toddler.


Why Does My Toddler Hit Me But Not Daddy - What other sources say:

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