Why do toddlers throw things? Toddlers throw things for many reasons. They are learning about the world around them. They are figuring out how things work. Throwing lets them see cause and effect. They see how far things go. They hear the sound they make. Throwing can also be a way they tell you something. Maybe they want your attention. Maybe they are mad or tired. It is a normal part of growing up for them to explore throwing. But it is also important to teach them where and what they can throw.
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Grasping Why They Throw
Young children learn by doing. They use their hands and bodies. Throwing is a big action. It helps them learn about gravity. It helps them learn about space. They see that when they let go, the thing falls. Or it flies through the air. This is exciting discovery for them.
Throwing is also a way to get attention. Even negative attention works for them. If they throw a toy and you jump up, they know they got your notice. They might do it again to see if it happens again.
Sometimes, toddlers throw because they are frustrated. They might not have words to say how they feel. Throwing can be a way to let out big feelings. This links to managing toddler frustration throwing.
They also throw when they have too much energy. Running and jumping are good, but throwing is too. They just need to learn safe places for it. Knowing why toddlers throw things helps you respond better.
Positive Ways to Guide Behavior
Stopping a toddler from throwing needs a calm plan. It is not about making them feel bad. It is about teaching them what to do instead. This is positive discipline toddler behavior. It means guiding them with kindness and clear rules. Discipline toddler throwing should focus on teaching, not just stopping.
Setting Clear, Simple Rules
Toddlers need rules they can easily know. Keep rules short and easy to remember.
* “We throw balls outside.”
* “Blocks stay on the floor.”
* “Food stays on the plate.”
Say these rules often. Say them before you think they might throw. This helps them know what to expect.
Consistency is Key
Saying the same thing every time is important. If you let them throw a toy sometimes, they get mixed messages. Try to respond the same way each time they throw something wrong. This helps them learn faster. Your reaction helps teaching toddlers not to throw.
Using Calm, Firm Language
When your toddler throws something they should not, stay calm. Get down to their eye level. Use a quiet, firm voice.
* “No, we do not throw toys.”
* “Toys stay down.”
* “Food stays on your plate.”
Do not yell. Yelling can make them scared. Or it can give them the attention they wanted. A calm voice shows you mean what you say. It helps with dealing with toddler throwing toys calmly.
Focus on Teaching, Not Punishment
Punishment makes kids feel bad. Teaching helps them learn what to do right. Instead of saying “Bad boy/girl!”, say “That is not for throwing. Let’s play gently.” This helps them learn positive discipline toddler behavior.
When you teach, you show them. Pick up the toy with them. Put it in the right place. Show them how to play nicely with it.
Practical Steps to Stop Throwing
Stopping throwing needs action from you. You can do things before, during, and after they throw. These steps help with toddler behavior problems throwing.
Prevention is Best
Sometimes, you can stop throwing before it starts. Look at where your toddler is. Look at what they are doing.
Managing the Environment
Think about what can be thrown.
* Put away things that are easily broken.
* Keep toys that are tempting to throw out of sight unless you are watching closely.
* Use plates and cups that do not break easily at meal times. This helps with food throwing.
If they are in a place where throwing is hard (like a high chair), it can help limit it. But they need free time too. So, changing the space helps for some times.
Giving Safe Things to Throw
Offer things they can throw. This gives them the feeling they want. It helps them learn alternatives to throwing for toddlers.
* Soft balls for outside.
* Beanbags for tossing into a box.
* Big, soft blocks they can maybe push or drop safely.
Do this often. Say things like, “Let’s throw the ball outside!” This shows them the right place.
Handling the Moment
When your toddler throws something wrong, act quickly and calmly.
Immediate Response
Go to them right away. Use your calm voice.
* “No throwing.”
* “Toys stay down.”
Block their hand if you need to gently. Take the thrown thing away.
Taking the Item Away
This is a simple action. If they throw a toy, pick it up. Put it away for a short time.
* “You threw the toy. Toys stay down. I will put this away now.”
* Put the toy on a high shelf for a few minutes.
Keep it short. Toddlers forget fast. A few minutes is enough for them to link the action (throwing) with the result (toy goes away). This helps with dealing with toddler throwing toys.
Redirecting Their Action
After you stop the throwing and maybe take the item, quickly show them something else to do. This is redirecting toddler behavior throwing.
* If they threw a block, take it away. Then, get out puzzle pieces. Say, “Let’s do this puzzle instead.”
* If they threw food, take the plate. Say, “All done eating now.” Then, offer a book.
Show them the right way to play.
* “Let’s build with the blocks.” (Show them stacking)
* “Let’s roll the ball.” (Show them rolling)
Redirecting changes their focus. It stops the throwing action and shows a better one.
Taking a Break (For Tantrums)
Sometimes, throwing happens during a tantrum. They are angry or upset. The throwing is part of their big feelings. This is about stop toddler tantrums throwing.
* Stay calm yourself.
* Say simple words: “You are mad. We don’t throw.”
* If they keep throwing or are unsafe, you might need to move them.
* Find a safe, calm spot. Sit with them. “We can sit here until you feel better.”
This break is not a punishment. It helps them calm down. It helps them stop the bad behavior. Stay close so they feel safe, but do not give in to the throwing.
After the Moment
What you do after helps too.
Cleaning Up Together
If they threw toys, have them help pick them up. Even young toddlers can help put things in a basket.
* “Let’s put the toys back.”
* Hand them a toy. “Put this in the bin.”
This teaches them that mess made must be cleaned. It links their action to putting things right.
Talking About It Simply
Later, when things are calm, you can talk a little. Keep it very simple.
* “Remember when you threw the block? Blocks stay on the floor.”
* “Tomorrow, we can throw the ball outside.”
Short, simple words help them remember the rule. It helps with teaching toddlers not to throw.
Addressing Specific Throwing
Throwing looks different in different times. The way you handle it can change a little. This helps with toddler behavior problems throwing.
Throwing Food
This is very common. Toddlers throw food to explore. They see what happens. They might not be hungry. Or they want attention.
* Response: Stay calm. “Food stays on the plate.” If they throw again right away, take the plate away. “All done eating.”
* Prevention: Give small amounts of food. Offer food when they are truly hungry, not just bored. Make meal times a calm time for eating.
* Alternatives: If they are finished, teach them to push the plate away. Or say “all done.”
Throwing Toys
Toys are often the main target. This needs specific steps for dealing with toddler throwing toys.
* Response: “No throwing toys. Toys stay on the floor.” Take the toy away for a short time.
* Prevention: Put away toys that cause problems. Keep special toys out of reach unless you are playing with them.
* Alternatives: Offer toys they can throw safely (soft balls, beanbags). Show them other ways to play with the toy they threw (rolling a car, stacking blocks).
Throwing in Anger or Frustration
This happens when big feelings come up. It is part of managing toddler frustration throwing.
* Response: Focus on the feeling and the action. “You are mad. It’s okay to be mad, but we don’t throw.” Take the thrown item away.
* Prevention: Help them learn feeling words (sad, mad, happy). Offer other ways to show feelings: stomping feet (safely), hitting a pillow, squeezing your hand.
* Alternatives: Redirect to a calming activity. Read a book, hug them, give them play dough to squeeze. Teach them to ask for help or use simple signs if they cannot talk yet.
Offering Safe Throwing Fun
Give your toddler chances to throw in ways that are okay. This helps them get the need to throw out in a good way. It is a great alternatives to throwing for toddlers.
Soft Ball Toss
Use a big, soft ball. Go outside or to a room with space.
* Show them how to toss it gently to you.
* Show them how to throw it away from people or things.
* Say things like, “Throw the ball!” and clap when they do it in the right place.
Beanbag Fun
Get some soft beanbags. Put a laundry basket or box a little way off.
* Show them how to toss the beanbag into the basket.
* Make it a game. “Can you get it in the basket?”
Water Play
Splashing and throwing water in a tub or kiddie pool can help.
* Give them cups to fill and pour or throw water gently.
* This is a safe way to get that throwing action.
* Make sure you watch them closely with water.
Crushing or Tearing Paper
Sometimes the need to throw is linked to a need to make things change or break apart.
* Give them old paper or empty boxes.
* Show them how to tear it or crush it.
* This gives a similar feeling of action and change without throwing things.
Building Good Habits
Teaching toddlers not to throw takes time. It needs you to help them build good habits. This links to teaching toddlers not to throw.
Modeling Good Behavior
Children learn by watching you.
* Do not throw things when you are mad.
* Show them how to use things gently. Put toys away nicely. Put dishes in the sink carefully.
* Talk about what you are doing: “Mommy is putting the cup in the sink gently.”
Praise Gentle Play
When you see your toddler playing nicely, tell them!
* “You are building so nicely with the blocks!”
* “Thank you for putting your toys away.”
* “You are rolling the ball gently!”
Specific praise helps them know what actions you like. It makes them want to do it more.
Routine Helps
Having a clear daily plan helps toddlers feel safe. When they know what is coming, they might feel less need to act out.
* Meal times at the same time.
* Play time with certain toys at certain times.
* Outside time for running and throwing (the right things).
A calm routine can help with stop toddler tantrums throwing which can include throwing.
What Else Helps?
Giving Choices
Sometimes toddlers throw because they want control. Offer small choices to give them some control.
* “Do you want the blue cup or the red cup?”
* “Do you want to play with blocks or cars?”
This can cut down on frustration and the need to throw.
Make Sure Basic Needs Are Met
A tired, hungry, or bored toddler is more likely to throw.
* Are they getting enough sleep?
* Have they eaten recently?
* Do they need active time to run and play?
Checking these things first can prevent problems.
Keep Your Cool
This is hard! Toddler behavior can test you. But staying calm is the most important thing.
* If you feel yourself getting mad, take a deep breath.
* Step away for a second if your child is in a safe spot.
* Remember they are little and learning. It is not personal.
Your calm helps them feel safe and learn better.
When to Seek Help
Most toddler throwing is normal. It gets better with time and teaching. But sometimes, it can be part of bigger problems. Toddler behavior problems throwing might need help from a doctor or child expert.
Think about getting help if:
* The throwing is very strong or happens all the time.
* They throw things at people or animals often, on purpose.
* They seem very angry or out of control most of the time.
* The throwing is part of many other hard behaviors (hurting self, hurting others, extreme tantrums).
* It feels like you cannot help them or keep them safe.
Talk to your child’s doctor. They can ask questions. They can help you find a child behavior expert if needed.
Bringing it Together
Toddler throwing is normal but needs guidance. It is how they explore, tell you things, or show feelings. Why toddlers throw things is not usually about being “bad.”
Your job is to teach them safe ways and places to throw. Use positive discipline toddler behavior. Be calm and firm. Be consistent. Give them alternatives to throwing for toddlers. Redirecting toddler behavior throwing works well. Help them with managing toddler frustration throwing.
Keep rules simple. React quickly and calmly when they throw wrong. Take the item away. Show them what to do instead. Practice teaching toddlers not to throw with gentle words and actions.
It takes time and lots of tries. Be patient with your little one and with yourself. You are helping them learn a big life lesson about rules and feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it normal for a two-year-old to throw everything?
A: Yes, it is very normal for toddlers, including two-year-olds, to throw things. They are learning about the world, gravity, and cause-and-effect. They also use it to get attention or show feelings.
Q: Should I punish my toddler for throwing?
A: It is better to use teaching instead of punishment. Punishment can make them scared or angry. Discipline toddler throwing should focus on showing them the right way to act. This means calmly taking the item away, saying the rule simply (“No throwing”), and showing them what to do instead (redirecting).
Q: What are good alternatives to throwing?
A: Great alternatives to throwing for toddlers include throwing soft balls outside, tossing beanbags into a basket, safe water play (splashing), or crumpling and tearing paper. These give them the physical feeling of throwing in a safe way.
Q: How do I stop my toddler throwing food?
A: When food throwing starts, say “Food stays on the plate” calmly. If it happens again right away, take the plate away and say “All done.” Offer food when they are truly hungry. Give small amounts at a time.
Q: My toddler throws things when they are angry. What should I do?
A: This is managing toddler frustration throwing. Stay calm. Say, “You are mad. It’s okay to be mad, but we don’t throw.” Take the item away. Help them find other ways to show their anger, like stomping feet safely or squeezing a pillow. Then, offer a calm activity or comfort.
Q: How long does the throwing phase last?
A: The strong urge to explore by throwing often starts around 12-18 months and can last through age 2 or 3. With consistent teaching and clear rules, it usually gets much less over time as their language and self-control get better.
Q: What if my toddler throws things at people?
A: This is more serious. Respond quickly and firmly. “No throwing at people. That hurts.” Move them away from the person. Take away whatever they threw. Teach them gentle hands. If this happens often or seems like they mean to hurt, talk to your child’s doctor.
Q: Should I make my toddler pick up everything they throw?
A: Yes, having them help clean up is part of the teaching. Even young toddlers can help put toys in a bin. This links their action (throwing) to the job of cleaning up the mess.
Q: My toddler throws toys when they are having a tantrum. How can I stop toddler tantrums throwing?
A: During a tantrum, the focus is helping them calm down. Take unsafe things away calmly. Say simple words like “You are upset. Toys stay down.” You might need to hold them gently or move to a quiet spot until the big feelings pass. Do not give in to their demands just because they are throwing during a tantrum.
Q: Does redirecting toddler behavior throwing really work?
A: Yes, redirecting is a very good tool. Once you stop the unwanted behavior (throwing), you quickly show them a good behavior to do instead. This changes their focus and helps them learn what is okay to do with their hands and energy.