Violent 3yo - WWYD?

[Trace of Angels]

I would have to ask how is this child's language and communication level? They estimate that almost 90% of toddlers hit. They lack the communication and language to express their frustration so they hit. I would try to find out why he is hitting and work on that. Is something frustrating or upsetting him? Can you support him in that way and teach him other ways to deal with his frustration? If we terminated all children that "hit" our homes might become revolving doors????
If his language and communication is top notch then he needs to learn boundaries and limitations in your home. This is unacceptable behaviour and the instant it happens there is a consequence (time out) and it is very matter of fact. Stay calm and let him see that there are consequences to his actions (cause and affect) and do so every single time. My guess is that it won't take him long to learn :-)

[Sandbox Sally]

I would have to ask how is this child's language and communication level? They estimate that almost 90% of toddlers hit. They lack the communication and language to express their frustration so they hit. I would try to find out why he is hitting and work on that. Is something frustrating or upsetting him? Can you support him in that way and teach him other ways to deal with his frustration? If we terminated all children that "hit" our homes might become revolving doors????
If his language and communication is top notch then he needs to learn boundaries and limitations in your home. This is unacceptable behaviour and the instant it happens there is a consequence (time out) and it is very matter of fact. Stay calm and let him see that there are consequences to his actions (cause and affect) and do so every single time. My guess is that it won't take him long to learn :-)

Did you read my post thoroughly? I did mention that I've used consequence. I did mention that I spoke to him calmly. I am very consistent. He hasn't learned. That's the problem here.

He's almost 3. He can talk. It isn't a communication issue. He hits when he's not getting what he wants. That much is clear.

I have three children of my own, not to mention the many children that I have had in the context of my daycare. I know what reasonable behaviour looks like for a toddler. To be honest, I don't care why he hit me in the face with a toy, on purpose. I don't care why he's constantly hitting the other kids. I don't care why he's biting his mother. There is never an excuse or reason for a child to do that, and I refuse to recognize this as a normal behaviour.

I have never terminated a child for hitting before, but I might well do so this time. No worries about my daycare becoming a "revolving door".

[Other Mummy]

Good for you Alpaghetti..Sounds like you made your decision.