How can I stop my toddler from hitting family members?

Hitting is a common developmental behavior as toddlers explore cause-and-effect and struggle with big emotions. Stay calm and avoid overreacting, as this can inadvertently encourage the behavior. Gently guide them by taking their hands and showing them 'gentle hands'—like stroking your face—while saying, 'We don't hit, we use gentle hands.' If the behavior persists, calmly move them away from the person they are hitting while staying engaged, reinforcing the boundary without shaming them.