Why does my toddler hit?

Has your otherwise friendly toddler suddenly started hitting people? Many children at this age start communicating their feelings physically, partly as a way to get your attention and partly because their language skills are still limited.

Here's how to help curb the behaviour:

• Make a show of noticing when your child communicates without hitting. Positive rewards for acceptable behaviour teach better than negative consequences for bad behaviour.

• Don't put your child into social situations when you know she's ready for a nap or too hungry to be calm.

• Try to spend some time alone with your child each day so you can give him your full attention when you play together.

• Hang in there! Soon your child will develop language skills that will help her communicate much more effectively.