As a mother, I’ve come to realize that my child can sometimes exhibit challenging behaviors, including hitting, and I’m done with excessive apologizing for it. My background as an educator has exposed me to a variety of difficult situations and students, from those in underprivileged urban areas to children in rural orphanages. I often found myself pondering the conditions that shaped their behaviors, attributing their actions to a lack of structure or parental attention.
Now, as the parent of a toddler, I can confidently declare that my son, while spirited, is not a “bad” kid. I strive to create a nurturing environment for him. I stay at home to ensure he has a consistent routine, filled with adventures around town, from playdates to daycare once a week. We enjoy family dinners and structured bedtime rituals to foster a loving atmosphere.
Despite our household rules against physical aggression, my little one has still picked up the habit of hitting. Lately, every outing to a play area has ended with him unintentionally hurting another child. If you happen to be in his way at the slide or if he sees you enjoying a snack he believes is his, you might just find yourself on the receiving end of a shove or a slap. In the past, I would have rushed to apologize to the other parent, feeling embarrassed and helpless.
However, I’ve had an important realization: my son is simply engaging in typical toddler behavior. He’s bright, energetic, and passionate, and right now, he resorts to physical actions because it’s easier for him than using words. While I recognize that hitting is not acceptable, I am learning to calmly address the behavior without feeling guilty or questioning my parenting skills.
I am committed to embracing my strong-willed, inquisitive toddler. Each incident becomes a teaching moment where I guide him towards alternatives to hitting, encouraging him to express himself verbally and act with kindness. I refuse to feel shame for his actions. It is my responsibility to support and educate him, and I will take pride in that role.
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In summary, while my toddler may hit, I will no longer apologize excessively for his behavior. Instead, I choose to support his growth and learning with love and patience, understanding that these years are part of a normal developmental process.