Usually the best thing to do with kids that age is to be real clear about the rule (no hitting) and the consequences for breaking it (time out is a good one), and then be very consistent about enforcing these. If you let him get away with it sometimes and not others, the message won't get through. So make sure you pick a consequence that's easy to enforce all the time, and then stick with it. It shouldn't take too long to see a change in the behavior.
Sometimes, this kind of behavior develops when the child is angry or having problems with something going on in the family--like the arrival of a new sibling who's taking up a lot of your time and attention. If you think that could be going on, one good thing to try would be to get him involved in helping you with the younger child (even though he probably won't be much "real" help), and then make a big deal out of showing how much you appreciate it. And try to find a little "special" time when just the two of you can do something he likes for a few minutes every day.
Hope this helps.
Coach Dean
LANEYBUGMOM22 12/29/06 12:40 P
We just tell our kids that hitting is naughty and not allowed. If they do it again, they get a time out in the naughty corner. If you haven't ever used time out or a time out spot it can seem like it won't ever work, but it is very effective for my kids. I thought my son would never sit still for a time out and for the most part he has a hard time, but it is effective in curbing the undesirable behavior.
MAMA2002 12/29/06 12:15 P
my 4 yr old boy hits me if he dont get his way. help me please
