My son went through a hitting phase at 18 months where his primary target was me. Specifically my face. He would cup my face in his hands in what looked like it was going to be a sweet moment and then just slap me. Every time. I was simultaneously his favourite person and his preferred punching bag. Toddlers hit their parents for several reasons and understanding the why makes the response much more effective. They hit because they are overwhelmed with a feeling they cannot express in words yet. They hit because they have learned that hitting produces a big reaction and big reactions are interesting. They hit because they are tired or hungry and their self-regulation capacity is at zero. They hit out of excitement and do not yet understand that excitement-hitting still hurts. The most effective immediate response: stop the hitting calmly and firmly, get down to their level, and say clearly and without anger: I will not let you hit me. Hitting hurts. Then either redirect to an appropriate activity or briefly step back from the interaction. Do not hit back, do not yell, do not laugh even if it does not hurt. Your reaction teaches them whether hitting is an effective tool. Teach alternative expressions for big feelings: stomp your feet, squeeze a pillow, use your words. Name the feeling you think they are having: you seem really frustrated right now. Give them the language. Watch for patterns and intervene before hitting happens. If your toddler tends to hit when leaving the park, give extra warning and connection before that transition. Most toddler hitting phases resolve between ages 2 and 3 as language develops and they gain more effective tools for communication.