How to discipline a child who loves to throw his toys!

Stop your child from throwing his toys: A guide for Filipino parents

Admit it, once upon a time, you thought it was great that your tot was able to pick things up, walk around and even found it cute when they’d go everywhere with their teddy bear.

But now that they’re getting the hang of things and have found out that when they maneuver their arm in a certain way, that it can send things flying across the room, you feel like all Hell’s broken loose. Don’t worry though, here are some tips to get your toddler to stop throwing things!

Why babies and toddlers throw things

At about 6 to 8 months of age, watching something leave his hands and fall to the floor is quite exciting for a baby. He also realizes that his actions may spark either a negative or positive reaction from you, ergo he will continue to throw things since it catches your attention.

As your child continues to grow into toddlerhood, his reasons for throwing things may increase. Especially when he reaches 18 months of age, throwing things may be an act of aggression or a means to display/release feelings of anger and frustration.

Tips for getting your toddler to stop throwing things

Play ball with your toddler: tossing or rolling a ball back and forth is a wonderful way to develop hand-eye coordination, motor skills and to also spend quality time together. Miniature free-standing basketball hoops are also a great outlet for your toddler's desire to throw something. Bean bag toss games (even if the target is a trash can or box) or letting them throw water-filled sponges at a board in the back yard are both constructive and fun activities that will still allow your toddler to throw things.

What to do if your toddler throws something they aren’t supposed to throw

If your toddler hurls a book across the room, calmly take him by the hand, lead him to the book and instruct him to pick it up. Bend down to his eye level and say, "Books are for reading, not throwing. We only throw balls and (name other things that he is allowed to throw)." Follow this up by guiding him/her in putting the book away properly. Repeat this process when necessary — if you do it often enough, your toddler will eventually 'get' it and remember the rules about throwing things.

Make things "throw-proof"

Use plates and bowls with suction cups that "stick" to the table or tray of his high chair. These are great for preventing accidental spills too. Avoid messy ‘food fights’ by placing only small portions of food on your child’s plate. Continue to serve food in small portions until full. Prevent your toddler from throwing toys from the stroller, car seat or grocery cart by tying them down... or leaving them altogether! If your toddler uses a pacifier, consider using a pacifier loop or clip. However, make sure that it is used safely to avoid any choking or strangulation hazards.

Take swift and appropriate action

When your toddler throws his food at you in protest or his toys at a playmate out of anger, you need to take swift and appropriate action. First, acknowledge his actions as wrong and unacceptable.

Remind him that only balls, etc. are to be thrown for play. This should be done without belittling or yelling. You also need to bring him to the understand that what he did hurt someone else or caused a mess.

Let them deal with the consequences of their action

Finally, your child needs to suffer the consequences of their actions. Here are examples of what you can say:
"You threw your dinner on the floor, so now I will not be able to read to you because I have to clean up the mess.” "It is wrong to throw things when you are mad. When you get mad, use your words so Daddy and I can help you.”

Stop your child from throwing his toys

By being consistent with our words and actions, it will be easier to 'train' our children to do the right thing. It may be challenging at first, but our patience will bear fruit in the end!

Article originally published on:

Written by

Darla Noble

child disciplineEnglish