Throwing objects is a common phenomenon in children who are exploring the world. This can be a sign of normal development or a reflection of an underlying problem. Find out the causes and how to handle them properly in the article below.

Children throwing objects can make parents worry, especially when this behavior happens frequently and is difficult to control. However, this behavior is not simply a bad habit but also has many meanings for the child’s development. So why do children throw objects? When is this behavior normal and when should intervention be needed? Let’s find out the details in the article below to find the appropriate way to handle it.

Why do children throw objects?

The behavior of children throwing objects is common and can confuse many parents. However, this is not necessarily a negative behavior but also has important meanings in the child’s development. Below are common reasons why children have this habit:

• Exploring the world around them: Young children, especially between the ages of 1 and 3, are always curious about how things work. Throwing objects is how children explore weight, sound and feedback from the environment.
• Practicing motor skills: Throwing objects helps children develop hand-eye coordination, enhancing coordination between body parts. This skill is an important stepping stone for more complex activities such as throwing balls, writing or drawing.
• Expressing emotions: Young children have not fully developed the ability to communicate verbally. When they feel angry, frustrated or want to attract attention, they can use throwing objects as a way to express their emotions.
• Seeking attention: Some children often throw objects to attract attention from parents or adults. In particular, when children realize that this behavior often receives a quick response, they will continue to do it.
• Lack of behavioral control: At a young age, children’s ability to control behavior and regulate emotions is not yet complete. Therefore, throwing objects can be a spontaneous action, appearing when children cannot control their urges.
• Expression of stress or fatigue: Some children throw things when they feel stressed, tired or emotionally overwhelmed. This is their way of releasing unpleasant emotions that they do not know how to handle.

Children often throw objects as a way to express their emotions and attract attention from their parents.

What should parents do when their children often throw things?

The behavior of throwing things in young children often comes from curiosity, the need to explore or express emotions. However, if not properly directed, this behavior can become a bad habit. Below are solutions that parents can apply to effectively deal with children who often throw things:

• Observe and find out the cause: First, observe to understand why children often throw things. This behavior can be a way for children to explore the environment, attract attention or express anger and fatigue. Understanding the cause will help parents choose the appropriate way to handle it, instead of just preventing or scolding children.

• Teach children the right way to express positive emotions: If children throw things because of anger or frustration, help them name their emotions. Guide children in other ways to express emotions such as talking about their feelings, asking for help or using soft toys to relieve them.
• Set clear limits: Explain to your child that throwing is not appropriate behavior and can be dangerous or cause damage to things. Set a rule like “Toys are for playing, not for throwing” and be persistent in reminding your child to follow it.
• Redirect your child’s behavior: If your child likes to throw, provide them with more appropriate alternative activities, such as throwing a ball into a basket, throwing a punching bag, etc. This helps them still satisfy their need for movement without affecting the furniture or people around them.
• Encourage and praise positive behavior: When your child plays with objects properly or does not throw things when angry, praise them immediately to encourage them to maintain positive behavior.
• Do not overreact: Your child may throw things to attract attention. If parents overreact by yelling or getting angry, the child may repeat this behavior because they have achieved their goal of getting attention. Instead, stay calm and guide your child to the right behavior.

Parents need to have the right attitude and way of handling to change the behavior of children who often throw objects.

When should you take your child to see a specialist?

The behavior of throwing objects often comes from the process of exploring the world or expressing emotions and is largely considered normal in the development of young children. However, if this behavior persists or is accompanied by unusual signs, parents should consider taking their child to see a specialist for examination and consultation. Here are some specific cases that parents should pay attention to:

• Prolonged throwing behavior that does not improve: Children continue to throw objects despite being instructed by their parents or applying gentle educational measures. This behavior shows no signs of abating but becomes more frequent and stronger.
• Accompanied by violent manifestations: Children tend to throw objects with the intention of hurting others or themselves. This violent manifestation is often accompanied by anger, screaming or hitting people.
• Difficulty in controlling emotions: Children are easily irritated, lose their temper or cannot calm themselves when facing problems. Throwing is the only way children use to react to unpleasant situations.
• Signs of developmental delay: Children have language problems, difficulty communicating or cannot express their needs and feelings verbally. Children have no interest in toys, the surrounding environment or lack the ability to concentrate and pay attention.
• Impact on daily life and surrounding environment: Throwing disrupts family life or negatively affects children’s learning, playing and social relationships. Children have difficulty following simple rules or cannot integrate with peers.
• Suspected mental health problems: Throwing is accompanied by signs of anxiety, depression or emotional disorders. Children have other symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite or withdrawal, not wanting to communicate with others.

Children should be taken to the doctor if the throwing behavior persists and is accompanied by unusual emotional changes.

Common questions parents have when their children throw things

Should children be punished for throwing things?

Should not use harsh punishment such as scolding or excessive punishment. Instead, parents need to calmly guide children, explain why this behavior is inappropriate and encourage children to adjust with positive actions.

Should children’s throwing behavior be ignored?

Ignoring throwing behavior is only appropriate in some cases, such as when children are experimenting or learning about their surroundings. However, if this behavior is prolonged, occurs with the intention of causing harm or seeking attention, parents should intervene and guide children on how to behave properly to prevent bad habits.

What alternative activities can help children reduce the habit of throwing things?

Parents can guide children to participate in active children’s activities and games such as:

• Playing ball throwing: Helps children release energy and practice motor skills in a safe environment.
• Puzzles: Encourage focus and creativity, while reducing spontaneous behaviors like throwing.
• Drawing or modeling clay: Help children express their emotions and explore their personal interests without the need for throwing.

Encourage children to participate in other games to replace and gradually reduce the habit of throwing objects.

Children’s behavior of throwing objects is not always a serious problem. In many cases, this is a manifestation of natural development and curiosity in young children. However, if this behavior persists or becomes abnormal, parents need to pay attention and seek support from experts. Hopefully, the article has provided useful information for you to understand and handle properly, helping children develop comprehensively both physically and mentally.