eBeanstalk: "Why Do Kids Push and Hit Other Kids?"

eBeanstalk.com sends out great F&Q’s every now and then:

Why do kids push and hit other kids? I don’t believe in hitting my child and I’m trying to teach them not to do the same. What’s going on?

Great question. Sometimes kids have a hard time retrieving words quick enough to say ‘”STOP!” or “Don’t do that!”. Therefore their instant reaction is to push or lash-out.

Sometimes this is the only reaction they know because this behavior has been learned. Possibly because there haven’t been consistent consequences for the behavior. Additionally, the ‘pushing’ behavior has been getting the result the child wants—which is usually attention, or others giving in.

I do suggest clearly and consistently teaching your child that this is not ok, and following it up with consequences for pushing and/or hitting. You should come up with a plan that works with everyone to follow consistently. Meaning, you and your spouse have to be on the same page, and do the same thing every time. Inconsistency will not work!

Remember, a key with any learned behavior is to always reinforce the positive.

If you liked this, then you may also like to read about Spanking a Child.

If you have any other questions or thoughts, please email them to questions@ebeanstalk.com

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