18 to 24 months · Throwing things
Throwing things at 18 to 24 months
Quick answer
What should I say when throwing things at 18 to 24 months?
You're frustrated the tower fell. It's okay to be mad, it's not okay to throw the blocks.
What's happening developmentally
Throwing when frustrated (not just at play) starts to show up as toddlers realize an object flung across the room gets a big, immediate reaction from everyone nearby.
Three scripts to try
“You're frustrated the tower fell. It's okay to be mad, it's not okay to throw the blocks.”
“You can throw this pillow, or stomp your feet instead. Show me which.”
“Let's build it back up together, you be the boss of where the next block goes.”
These are a starting point, not a transcript. Read when to reach for each type.
What not to say, and why
- “Reacting with a big, dramatic gasp every time.” — A big reaction is often exactly the payoff that makes the behavior repeat.
- “Ending playtime completely the first time it happens.” — A consequence disconnected from the object thrown teaches less than calmly removing that one item and continuing.
When it usually passes
This usually fades once a calm, low-drama, same-every-time response (remove the item, offer the safe throw option) has been repeated consistently for a few weeks.