✨ Want proven strategies for child hitting and beyond from a child psychologist? Register for the free workshop → https://www.drlindsayemmerson.com/workshop

When your toddler hits another child — at a playdate, at preschool, with a sibling — the stakes feel completely different than when they hit you. Parents are managing three relationships at once: their child, the child who got hit, and the other parent watching it all unfold. The instincts most parents reach for in that moment are understandable — but most of them miss the teaching opportunity entirely.

Toddler aggression toward other children is one of the most socially pressured parenting moments you'll face. This video breaks down the five ways parents most commonly respond, which ones backfire, and the one response that actually teaches your toddler what to do instead.

Research confirms that children in the preoperational stage (ages 2–7) are still developing the impulse control and perspective-taking skills needed to navigate peer conflict — meaning they need specific, in-the-moment guidance, not just punishment (Piaget & Inhelder, 1969). In this video: → The 5 ways parents respond when their toddler hits another child — and which backfire → Why the response order matters more than most parents realize → The social repair step most parents skip — and why it's the most important teaching moment → What to say to the other parent without undermining your child → The one response that works with your child's developmental stage, not against it

💬 Comment SAME below if your toddler has gone through a hitting-other-kids phase.

#toddlerhitting #toddleraggression #toddlerbehavior #parentingtips #parentingwithpsychology

New to my podcast? I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future.

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Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.

If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional.

00:00 – 01:43 | Introduction 01:43 – 02:35 | The Instinct Every Parent Has In Front Of Other Parents 02:35 – 03:31 | Why Removing Them From The Situation Isn't Enough 03:31 – 04:21 | The Apology That's Actually For The Other Parent 04:21 – 06:43 | Why "Let Them Work It Out" Doesn't Work Yet 06:43 – 10:14 | The Response That Actually Works 10:14 – 11:44 | What This Builds Toward