Your toddler just smacked you in the face and you're wondering if you're raising a tiny barbarian. (Spoiler: you're not.) This blog breaks down why toddlers hit (hint: it's about brain development, not bad behavior) and gives you simple, effective tools to respond with calm and confidence. Backed by research, grounded in reality, and designed to make you feel human again.

If you’ve ever locked eyes with your toddler after handing them a snack and waited in vain for a “thank you,” only to receive a blank stare or, worse, a demand for a different color cup, this one’s for you. Teaching manners and gratitude to toddlers isn’t about raising little Victorian tea guests it’s about helping them build empathy, connection, and social awareness (while maybe reducing public meltdowns along the way).