I thought I would be the lucky mom who's son did not start hitting when he reached the ripe age of 2. My son has always had a gentle touch, especially compared to other toddlers his age who are rough with toys and other objects. So, I thought this would translate into us getting past the hitting phase without incident.
I've read the books and watched the nanny TV shows, but time-outs don't work on him yet (he thinks it's a game; it's impossible to reason with a two-year old). He has started hitting me if I'm not giving him 100% attention, 100% of the time and/or if he doesn't want to do something (like get his diaper changed).
The books say this is a good developmental sign, that he is exerting his opinion...and I'm all for that! He has been so gentle, that I've been worried that he would be too much on the passive side. Well, I don't like the aggressive side any better! He has now hit another toddler because he wanted a toy that the boy had, and I have a no tolerance policy for hitting others! However, I also realized that by reacting to his hitting, I'm giving him attention. It's a lose-lose situation either way, as far as disciplining him. At this age, he books say either isolate or redirection are the ways to discipline, which sound good...but I'm not sure how to put them into practice.
What have you done with your toddler to teach that hitting hurts/is bad, that negative feelings are okay, to apologize to the victim AND to give them other words to express themselves (or other behavior to express themselves)...all within about 30 seconds (the amount of attention-span a 2 year old has). Plus making sure the victim (and mom) are OK (more "OK" emotionally, his hitting is more of a slap).
Hope to hear some ideas soon!!