How would you tell a 2.5 yr old kid this?

Spanking might seem like a quick way to stop a child from hurting others, but it often does more harm than good. At 2.5 years old, children are still learning how to manage their emotions and don’t fully understand the impact of their actions. Responding with physical punishment can confuse them, and sometimes even teach them that hitting is how we deal with problems. Instead, it helps to stay calm (though it’s hard, I know!), gently but firmly stop the behavior, and make it clear with simple words like, “No hitting. That hurts.” Sometimes, kids act out when they’re overwhelmed, tired, or unable to express what they feel. Giving them space, redirecting their energy, or helping them name their feelings can make a difference over time. You’re definitely not alone in this—it’s a phase many parents and caregivers go through. What matters most is consistent, loving guidance, even during the hard moments. Hang in there, you’re doing your best, and that already counts for a lot.

Yeah. Definitely not easy. To handle a 2.5 year-old's tantrum. I must say, you should stay calm. That's the most difficult thing to do at such times, I know. However, that's something you can at least do just to start with. You can also redirect their attention and ask him to be comfortable. Again would look a bit difficult. At least redirecting his energy would be something you can definitely try. Avoid punishment. Yes to some extent that is also necessary. But punishing leads kids to perform those actions more vigorously and repeatedly. Let him calm down. Let him vent out all his energy. After that, talk about what had happened, what the problem was, etc. Try to teach coping strategies. This is what I could suggest you. Try figuring out some of these steps that are working for you. Time is the best Taylor. As your child grows up, he will automatically shade off all these things. After all we too had tantrums when we were kids, didn't we?

Very difficult situation indeed. I would say leave the child alone and all those the child is targetting should not be around Less reacrtion from those around would make him less aggressive

Terrible two, they call it. The age that do not understand yet things and stuff. You need to calm down the children first. Maybe distract them. Carer needs a calm and patient self (it's difficult though) You can reverse the situation, maybe exagerrating a bit the pain saying, 'ouchy your hurting grandma or something your grandchildren calls you' of course you say it with all feelings and acting (maybe cry a little). Ask them if they want to see grandma sad or crying or hurt? Well, it works sometimes for me. Or you can give them rewards if they only stop their tantrum. You can tell them, if they stop, you will buy this or that then you just sit where you can see them just to know they are not hurting themselves but not too near them and just pretend you are not minding what they are doing. Different child needs different approaches. One might work but the other may not.

You can put the child in a time out.

Spanking him will make the things worse because he might get the message that aggression and physical hurting is okay. But you can't let it happen. You have to show him that it's not okay and you are not happy about it. You try to see the triggers for such actions and try to avoid those. Behavior is the manifestation of some underlying needs and desires. Just try to find them and fulfill them. Getting him engaged and distracted might bring this down. A toddler can be handful and not easy to handle.

First, loudly exclaim "owie" or "that hurts" and fake cry. Then do something to distract him, ignoring the behavior, because he sees it is getting your attention. What has made him angry? Direct him into a place where he cannot hurt himself or others. At school we have a "calm spot" that is a little less bright, but not dark. It has pillows and blankets. The student may yell, but the teacher keeps calm. You could also give him something to kick that is okay. I would take his shoes off so he does not hurt someone or something badly.

My parents would have spanked me if one warning wasn’t enough. It certainly worked on me (and for those extra sensitive, I said spank, not beat). A child psychologist nowadays would definitely not tell you to spank, but then again, I once heard a child psychologist say “We must ask a baby’s permission before changing their diaper; even if they can’t talk yet).”

I put my child at that age in a room by themselves and told them to come out when they were done.

I always ignored tantrums. They are a way of getting attention. Walk away and don't say or do anything until he stops fully and behaves

From personal experience, I showed displeasure through facial expressions and words. That drives home the point to most children.

Children as infants have the tendency of kicking. Once they start walking it's important to prevent them from kicking someone by catching their legs as the kick. We should also stop them when they try to slap or beat someone. Children are more violent these days and that has to be controlled.

Dealing with a toddler's big emotions can be overwhelming. At 2.5 years old, children don’t yet fully understand empathy or consequences, so staying calm and consistent is key.