Throwing Things
How do I stop my child from throwing things?
Throwing things is a normal part of early development — children throw to explore, express big feelings, seek attention or because they lack the words to say what they need. The most effective approach is calm, consistent teaching: understand the reason behind the throw, offer a safe alternative, name the feeling and gently teach repair, rather than punishing. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
When your child hurls a toy across the room, it can feel maddening — but throwing is almost always a child telling you something with their hands before they have the words.
In short
Throwing things is a very normal part of early development — young children throw to explore cause-and-effect, release big feelings, get attention, or because they don't yet have the words to say what they need. The most effective way to reduce it is not punishment, but *understanding the why* behind each throw and gently teaching a better way to meet that same need. With calm, consistent responses most throwing settles as your child's language and self-control grow.What helps right now
Most throwing in toddlers fades as words, patience and motor control mature. The goal is to teach, not to win.
When to seek a check
Consider a developmental check if the throwing is frequent, intense and hard to settle well beyond the toddler years, if it often hurts others or your child, if your child has very few words to express needs, struggles to calm down after being upset, avoids eye contact or play, or if family life feels overwhelmed. These can be signs that a little extra support with communication or sensory regulation would help.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an app or online form. If throwing feels unmanageable or your child struggles to express needs, our team can gently explore what's driving the behaviour and build a plan around your child through a clinician-administered AbilityScore® assessment, drawing on behaviour and developmental therapy and speech and language support where words are still emerging. Learn more about how we [support families](/).Trusted sources
American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) guidance on toddler behaviour and discipline; CDC milestone and positive-parenting resources; ASHA guidance on early communication. These describe throwing as a common early behaviour best met with calm, consistent teaching rather than punishment.Next step — Worried the throwing is more than a phase? Book a developmental check with a Pinnacle clinician.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Watch for throwing that is frequent, intense and hard to settle well beyond the toddler years, often hurts others, comes with very few words to express needs, difficulty calming after upset, or reduced eye contact and play — signs that extra communication or regulation support may help.
Try this at home
Offer a 'yes' alongside the 'no' — keep a soft ball or beanbag handy and say, 'Toys are not for throwing, but we can throw this here,' so the urge has a safe place to go.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Why does my toddler throw things so much?
Throwing is a normal way young children explore cause-and-effect, release big feelings, seek attention, or communicate a need they don't yet have words for. It usually eases as language and self-control grow.
Should I punish my child for throwing?
Punishment is rarely effective and a big reaction can accidentally make throwing more rewarding. A calm, brief response, redirecting to a safe alternative and naming the feeling teach faster than any single consequence.
When should I worry about my child throwing things?
Consider a developmental check if the throwing is frequent, intense and hard to settle well beyond the toddler years, often hurts others, comes with very few words, difficulty calming down, or reduced eye contact and play.