What To Do When Your Teenager Hits You? [All You Need To Know]

A teenager’s aggression can be challenging to handle. For example, what should you do when your teenager hits you? How do you respond when a child hits a parent? How do you punish a violent child?

When your child begins to hit you, it’s crucial to block the behavior gently and calmly. You can also talk to your child about their feelings. This will make them feel less likely to hit. The more you communicate with your child, the less likely they are to hit you back.

First off is to talk to him or her about what behavior is unacceptable. Explain to them how the physical actions feel, as well as why you think they are abusive. 

Labeling hitting as abuse is important, as many teens may not see their actions as abuse. You should also discuss what behavior is acceptable and what consequences there are for breaking the rules.

This blog post will explore some tips for dealing with teenage aggression. We will also provide advice on creating and enforcing consequences for unacceptable behavior.

What Causes Teenagers To Be Violent?

Some studies have shown that genes affect how aggressive people behave. So if anger runs in your family, there’s a chance your teenager could inherit those genes.

Other risk factors for teen violence include abuse, trauma, mental health issues, and exposure to violence. For example, children who witness domestic violence are likely to be violent themselves..

How Do You Respond When a Child Hits a Parent?

While your child may be acting aggressively, it is important to remember there are many causes for such behavior. It may be due to overstimulation or physical exhaustion. It may also be a reflection of other behaviors in the child’s environment. 

When a child hits a parent, it’s natural to feel shock, anger, and betrayal. But it’s important to remember this behavior is usually a sign that something is wrong. So before responding, it’s essential to take a step back and try to understand what might be causing the child to act out.

Many factors can increase the risk of violent behavior in children. For example: 

Does anger run in the family?

Has the child experienced trauma or abuse?

Are they struggling with mental health issues?

Answering these questions can help you understand the problem’s root cause and how best to respond.

In most cases, the best way to respond when a child hits a parent is with calmness and understanding. First, try to talk to the child about what’s going on and why they might be feeling angry.

If the situation escalates, it may be necessary to remove yourself from it or even involve law enforcement. But remember, hitting is never an acceptable form of communication, no matter how angry or upset you are.

Teenage Aggression Towards Mother

Are your teens acting out? Do you feel like you’re struggling to communicate with them? If so, they may be going through a difficult life stage. If you notice your child is showing signs of trouble, this may be the reason for his/her aggression towards you.

Here are some signs that your teenager may need help:

  • Poor grades in school
  • Skipping class
  • Talking back or disobeying rules
  • Spending more time alone
  • Withdrawing from friends and activities they once enjoyed
  • Increasing drug or alcohol use.

If you notice any of these signs, you must reach out for help. There are many resources available to assist families dealing with teenage aggression.

Is Your Child Showing Signs of being a Troubled Teenager?

They might act out more than once, be secretive or have a change in school performance. The behaviors might be indicative of mental health issues such as:

  • Depression
  • Attention-deficit 
  • Hyperactivity disorder
  • Body dysmorphia 
  • Substance abuse

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to seek help.

Your teen may be refusing to follow rules and regulations. This will put them at risk and cause stress and fear in the family. Other signs your teenager may be in trouble include: 

  • Marked changes in behavior 
  • Lack of motivation 
  • Anger
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety

In some cases, he or she may even start abusing drugs or alcohol.

If you are worried about your teen’s behavior, it’s time to seek help. Some troubled teens have mental illness or substance abuse problems, while others may have eating disorders. 

If you’re concerned, consider looking into a therapeutic boarding school. These schools can help your child develop and reach adulthood. Getting help for your teenager is the best way to protect them from future dangers.

How Do You Punish a Violent Teen?

The first step in addressing the problem of violent behavior in your teen is to identify the source. Many of them use hitting as a way to express their anger and frustration. 

This behavior is often caused by their lack of knowledge about the consequences of hitting. Children should be taught how to regulate themselves and not use violence as a way to deal with their feelings. If your teen has learnt this from a young age they are less likely to develop aggressive behaviors.

Parents should avoid hitting their children as much as possible and use a variety of techniques to discipline them.

What Is The Best Punishment For Teenagers?

One method of punishing a violent child is to make it clear you will not tolerate the behavior. Teenagers who engage in violence may have underlying emotional or mental health issues. 

They may be struggling with problems like bullying, substance abuse, and family breakdown. If you notice your teen engaging in this type of behavior, report it immediately to the authorities. You deserve a safe home environment for yourself and your child. 

Parents should be conscious of their own behavior around their children and demonstrate control even if angry. If they model a calm attitude, children will learn to express their anger in a healthier manner.

Hold Kids Accountable and Give Consequences

When your teenager hits you, there are several options you can use to hold them accountable. You can give them consequences like:

  • A time-out
  • Loss of privileges
  • Extra chores.

It’s important to be consistent with the consequences you give. If you only follow through sometimes, your teen will learn they can get away with this behavior.

It would help if you also avoided physical punishment, like spanking. Research has shown this type of discipline can increase aggression in children.

You can also use this opportunity to teach your child about empathy and how to deal with anger healthily. For example, you can say, “I know you’re angry, but it’s not okay to hit people.”

What Are Some Other Consequences for Teenage Aggression?

Here are some consequences you can give your teenager for their aggression:

  • Write an apology letter
  • Pay for any damages they caused
  • Do extra chores around the house
  • Attend counselling sessions.

You can take away a privilege and make them pay for it. For instance, you can take away their phone or gaming system for a week if they hit you.

Asking Them To Apologize

This is important in helping your child understand why hitting is wrong and how it affects other people.

Making Them Pay For Damages

This will help your child learn that their actions have consequences and that they need to be responsible for them.

It also shows them that you are not going to tolerate this behavior.

Doing Extra Chores

This is a good consequence because it is constructive and teaches your child responsibility. It also shows them that their actions have consequences and that they need to work to fix them.

Attending Counseling Sessions

This is a good option if you feel like your child needs help dealing with their aggression. It can also help them learn how to control their emotions and understand why hitting is wrong.

Sending Them To Their Room

This gives your child some time to calm down and reflect on their behavior. It also allows you to cool down so you can talk to them later without yelling.

First, consider giving your teen some space and letting them process their feelings. It may be difficult for them to understand your perspective. When possible, you can talk to them when they’re calm. If the situation continues, suggest they get help to deal with the problem. 

Should You Ever Call The Police On Your Teen?

If the situation is dangerous, call the police. Often, the police can diffuse a situation and ensure a healthy outcome.

Secondly, set some household rules. The rules should emphasize respect and not physical aggression. Sometimes, it’s better to replace negative rules with positive ones. 

It’s also a good idea to talk to your teen about the rules of the house. This way, they’ll know their actions have consequences.

What If My Teenager Continues To Hit Me?

If your teen continues to hit you, despite your best efforts, you should call the police. And it may be time to get help from a professional. You can contact a counselor, therapist, or doctor to get started.

This type of behavior may escalate to punching walls, hitting things near you, or making verbal threats. Don’t hesitate to contact the police if you fear for your safety even if it is your own child.

How Do You Deal With a Teenager That Hits You?

It is important to clarify to your child that calling the police is a consequence of abusive behavior, and that the police will show up if the behavior continues. 

This will help the child learn from the consequences. Also, remember to protect other family members in the home. Your child’s actions can traumatize siblings.

If your child has hit you in the past, document these incidents. If you have a history of physical abuse, it may be an indication of mental health or emotional problems. 

These young people may have a difficult time coping with their feelings, and you should report them to the police if you suspect them of being violent. Your family deserves a safe and healthy home environment.

What Can I Do if My Teenager Hits Me?

They can help you and your teenager figure out what’s causing the aggression and how to deal with it in the best way. However, if you don’t feel like you can handle this alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you are a parent who is struggling with a child who hits, please reach out for help. You can contact the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-427-2736 in the US.

For more information visit National Parent Helpline Website.

Many parenting resources are also available online, such as books, articles, and support groups. Remember, you are not alone in this. Help is available to get you and your family through this difficult time.

If you are a teenager who is hitting your parents, please know there is help available for you, too. You can contact the National Teen Violence Hotline at 866-948-2988 or visit teenline.org

We hope this article helped you reflect on your situation, especially if you are struggling with this in your family. Do not hesitate to seek help and if you know someone else with the same problem, share this with them.

Thanks for reading!