How to teach a toddler compassion

My daughter is quickly turning into a toddler. Lately she has started acting out. I understand it’s probably frustrating for her not to be able to vocalize what is wrong. I don’t take offense when she screams or hits. But I am concerned that I don’t want it to become a habit or the status quo.

How can I address these actions in a compassionate way? Currently I tell her somewhat sternly (no raise voice, just a sharp clear reply) that I don’t like it when she hits, and pick her up and try to get her “out of her bubble.” If I put her in time out, she will scream bloody murder. I don’t think she understands why she’s in trouble, and I don’t know that is a way to compassionately address the issue directly.

She is pretty introverted (she likes to watch strangers but she does not want to engage them), so I don’t want her to hit another child when she does choose to play with them. It hasn’t happened yet, but she is hitting mom and I more frequently.

What is a good Buddhist approach that takes the Middle Path?

submitted by /u/bigdaddyowl
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