Psychotherapist weighs in on toddler behavior

DEAR HARRIETTE: Retired licensed psychotherapist specializing in children and families here. With regard to “Out-of-Control Toddler,” the parent struggling with a toddler who has started hitting, there is now much empirical evidence to suggest that the “gentle parenting” that your advice reflects is ineffectual, especially for toddlers and especially with regard to hitting others. The goal is not only to extinguish these behaviors but to concurrently teach conscience development, personal accountability and responsibility for one’s actions, which in turn develops empathy for others and aids in emotional regulation.