11 Month Old Hits Adults in the Face

Hi J.,
I have 3 boys of my own and I also do a little daycare now and then. I am currently watching an 11 month old girl now. It's kinda funny to read your message because she is doing the same thing. She usually hits her mother when she comes to pick her up. I think it is more of an excitement issue for her, but she has done it to me as well. She hits me out of the blue, usually when we are just sitting and I am holding her.
I don't think it's a malicious thing for her or your son. I think its just an expiramental thing. But it is inappropriate behavior. Unfortunately at this age there isn't much for discipline that's appropriate either. I have been just grabbing both of her hands and give them just a slight squeeze as soon as she tries hitting, and telling her "NO" in a voice a litte deeper and louder than my normal tone. I don't want to scare her, but I want her to sense that the behavior/action does not make me happy. I have also heard that if you are holding the child and they hit you, you should tell them "no", give their hand a squeeze and put them down and walk away from them.
Good luck!

I know this sounds silly, I thought so when my sons peditrition told us that he can be in time out. Not alone of course but you set them in your lap with your arms around the front of them so that they cant hit and so on and sit there and tell them that they need to "take a break" only sit there for a minute but they do get the picture and it does stop my son had that problem and it did take care of itself after about a weeek of this. I know that may seem like a long time maybe yours will be quicker!! Good luck

People have already given you some good ideas about how to correct her behavior, but I have one small suggestion. You said she does this when you take her away from something she wants to be doing. Are you giving her some kind of advance warning that you will be interveening? I ask because my son was not very good with any kind of transition unless he was given some way to anticipate an activity would be ending. Obviously, this suggestion is no good if you are trying to take her away from something dangerous, but if it is a simple transition issue - then giving her some advance notice could help a lot.

My daughter used to do that too. We would steady her hand and say "NO" like you did and then if she didn't calm down immediately, we'd put her in the playpen or set her somewhere safe and walk away to get her to understand that unacceptable behavior will lead to no attention or fun. :) I hope this helps a little. Just understand that it's normal.

Maybe she is fustrated becaues she wants to tell you something or talk, I would start showing her some sign languages, and try to remain calm, see if you can get her to show you what she wants. I would still say in a firm voice "Not ok, nice hands"