How to Handle Preschoolers Who Hit

There are many things in preschool that can cause a child to become angry and act out in negative ways. One such negative way they may react is to begin hitting other children or their teachers. Should you have to deal with a preschooler who hits, there are some things you can do to handle the child.

• Talk to the child about why they are feeling angry. Offer the child alternative ways to express their anger which doesn’t involve hurting themselves or others.


• Remove the child from the situation. Lead the child to the opposite side of the room or to a designated quiet area. If needed take the child out of the room completely.


• Talk to the child about why hitting is not appropriate and try to talk to them about how it would feel if they were the one being hit.


• Offer the child examples of ways they can calm their body down and alternate ways to release their anger and frustration. Alternatives to hitting could be: counting from 1 to 10, taking deep breaths, or any other activities they may find calming.


• Follow through with some form of punishment when the child hits. While punishing them may lead to increasing the child’s anger, establishing firm rules and boundaries can help to lower the chances of the child hitting in the future. Additionally, have the child apologize to the person they hit after the punishment is over.


• Never hit the preschooler as a punishment. This will just re-enforce the fact that hitting is acceptable.