What to Do When Toddler Is Hitting

"Motherhood: powered by love, fueled by coffee, sustained by wine."

Good Morning, Queens of the Coffee Mug Kingdom! Happy Monday – ah yes, the day your kiddo chooses to wake up at 5 a.m. out of sheer enthusiasm for life! So, grab your coffee and let's dive into life's pressing issues.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Toddler Hitting: Why tho?

• Glue those bath toys shut!

• Avocado Quesadillas? Yes, please.

• Crafting: now with more aerodynamics

Mom’s Field Guide

The Lowdown on Toddler Hitting

Ever had a playdate turn into a mini boxing ring when your toddler decided to take a swing?

Yup, we've all been there.

Let's dish on why this happens and how to wave the white flag on your kiddo’s hitting phase.

Why Are Toddlers Little Mike Tysons?

• Toddlers are like tiny scientists, always experimenting. Hitting? They're basically testing how much they can get away with.

• They have zero impulse control. See a toy they want? WHAM! Sorry, Timmy.

• They don’t know it's bad. To them, hitting is like saying "hello," just louder and with more tears.

• Feeling big emotions they can't express? Cue the tiny fists.

Advice Alert: "Don’t take it personally; it’s not about you. They’re learning, albeit in a way that requires a helmet."

What to Do: Playdate Referee 101

• The Hug Lock: Hold them back gently like you're hugging a tiny, angry bear. Use it to calm them down and prevent future punches.

• Time-Out, Literally: Remove them from the battlefield—er, play area. Sometimes a change of scene can be a game-changer.

• The Chat: Believe it or not, even toddlers can grasp alternatives to hitting. Use easy words to explain better choices.

• Distraction Magic: Give them something else to do. “Look, a shiny object!" works more often than you’d think.

Advice Alert: "Being consistent is key. If you react the same way each time, they'll learn faster that hitting is a no-go."

What NOT to Do: No-No's for Moms

• Don’t hit back. You're teaching a lesson, not entering a duel.

• No screaming. Angry mom = confused and scared toddler.

• Forget peer pressure. Your mom-friends' side-eye is not a parenting guide.

Practical Magic

• Watch for warning signs and distractions, like if they start growling (yes, growling) or running toward another kid.

• Try to figure out if they're hungry, tired, or maybe teething. Sometimes solving that will stop the hitting.

Wrap-Up

Okay, you got this, mama!

It might feel like you're living with a miniature prizefighter, but with a mix of love and patience, this phase will pass.

Keep reading here.

Together with Little Giraffe

Cuddle Up to the Softest Blankets on Earth

Remember those early morning cuddles with your little one, swaddled in their blanket?

Little Giraffe takes those perfect moments and makes them even softer.

The blankets, throws, and baby accessories are simply the softest on Earth.

Especially this famous blanket they’re known for.

Experience the plush luxury of Little Giraffe and elevate your baby's comfort 🙂 

Mom Hack

Seal bath toys with hot glue

Mom Hack

A quick fix to prevent mold in bath toys: hot glue the holes.

It's a tiny change with a big impact on cleanliness.

Mom’s Menu

Quick 'n' Yummy Avocado Quesadillas 🥑🌮

Today, we have an absolute winner recipe from the "I want this for lunch" championship in our home – the Avocado Quesadillas!

These crispy delights will steal your little ones' hearts in no time.

Ingredients 📝

• 2 large flour tortilla wraps

• 1 avocado, all mashed up

• 50g (about ½ cup) grated cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese of your liking)

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Sprinkle half of that delicious cheese on one tortilla wrap.

2. Spread the mashed avocado goodness all the way to the edges.

3. Now, bring on the rest of the cheese, and then cap it off with the second tortilla.

4. Over medium heat, warm up a large, non-stick frying pan. (Make sure it's large enough for your tortilla!)

5. Gently lay the quesadilla in the pan and let it get all golden brown for about 2-3 minutes.

6. With your trusty spatula, flip it carefully and give it another 2-3 minutes to perfect that golden glow on the other side.

7. Slice and serve right away!

Note 📌

• Feel free to replace cheddar with any other melty cheese – Tasty, Monterey Jack, Colby, go wild!

• I used a non-stick pan and no oil was needed. But if your pan tends to be a bit sticky, a light oil spray might help.

• Remember, you can also make this with just one tortilla (see detailed method in the original article below).

So, there you have it, mama!

The delightful Avocado Quesadillas – a favorite from my house to yours!

I guarantee your kiddos will love this creamy and crispy combo.

And hey, feel free to sneak in some extra veggies or protein if you want to mix it up. 🥑🌮

Keep reading here.

Daily DIY

Craft Stick Airplane

Engage your kids in crafting their own airplanes from craft sticks, encouraging hours of imaginative play around the house or garden.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This device is a game-changer because it's not just a sound machine, it's a sleep trainer, storyteller, and lullaby player all in one.

It's like having a personal sleep assistant that can help establish a solid bedtime routine for your little ones. 🙂 

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine

Game

Parenting Quiz

When should children be able to count to ten? (Answer below)

A) By 2 years

B) By 3 years

C) By 4 years

D) By 5 years

E) When they start charging you for doing chores

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

B) By 3 years