Swatting

When my MIL was in town, she would sit and hold Breena facing her and Breena would hit her on the chest with both hands and then laugh. I think she liked the slapping sound and MIL thought this was hysterical. Well now Breena is constantly swatting at me, DH or whoever holds her. She will also hit herself in the face or head, which has me concerned. I grab her hands, give her the Mean Mommy look and tell her no, but she just smiles. Now she knows that her swatting gets a reaction from me.

We were at a neighbor's house tonight and she swatted at a friend's face while she was holding her. I was mortified. How do I get the hitting to stop before it gets worse? And should I be worried that she purposely swats at her own face and head?

 

It sounds like it's not aggressive, just playful. Mine do it too sometimes. They just don't have the control/coordination to be gentle yet. I'd just try to show her how to be gentle - guide her hand and say something like "Nice pat." Or if she wants to smack hard, maybe give her your hand so you can play "gimme five!"

 

QUOTE(fuchsiagroan @ Jun 11 2008, 09:58 PM) [snapback]822444[/snapback]
It sounds like it's not aggressive, just playful. Mine do it too sometimes. They just don't have the control/coordination to be gentle yet. I'd just try to show her how to be gentle - guide her hand and say something like "Nice pat." Or if she wants to smack hard, maybe give her your hand so you can play "gimme five!"


We did exactly what Holly suggested. And now when they need a reminder, all I have to say is "Gentle girls, soft..." and they immediately stop and pat/stroke what ever they were hitting....including the dogs, each other, me....

But it was key to demonstrate to them by actually guiding their hand and helping with that control.

 

Yes, definitely playful and not aggressive.

I will definitely try getting her to be more gentle. The dog will appreciate that too!