Behavior & Social

Toddler Throws Things at People

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published Zero to Three, AAP, CDC guidelines

Editorial policy

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Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed toddler throws things at people, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Throwing is actually a developmental milestone - it requires coordination and motor planning. Young toddlers throw to explore cause and effect. Older toddlers throw when frustrated because it is a powerful physical release. The goal is not to stop all throwing but to teach what can be thrown (balls outside) and what cannot (toys at people). Channel the urge rather than eliminate it.

Key takeaways

  • Throwing is actually a developmental milestone - it requires coordination and motor planning. Young toddlers throw to explore cause and effect. Older toddlers throw when frustrated because it is a powerful physical release. The goal is not to stop all throwing but to teach what can be thrown (balls outside) and what cannot (toys at people). Channel the urge rather than eliminate it.
  • Usually normal when: Young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone
  • Call your doctor if: Your child has injured someone by throwing objects
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to Zero to Three, AAP, CDC guidelines, throwing is actually a developmental milestone - it requires coordination and motor planning. Young toddlers throw to explore cause and effect. Older toddlers throw when frustrated because it is a powerful physical release. The goal is not to stop all throwing but to teach what can be thrown (balls outside) and what cannot (toys at people). Channel the urge rather than eliminate it. At 12-18 months, throwing emerges as a motor skill. Your baby drops and throws things to learn about gravity and cause and effect. This is not aggressive. Provide safe things to throw (soft balls, beanbags) and set up throwing play. Redirect unsafe throwing without punishing the skill itself. It is generally considered normal when young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has injured someone by throwing objects.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone
Your child has injured someone by throwing objects
Occasional throwing during intense frustration
Throwing behavior is escalating in intensity and frequency
Throwing that decreases with consistent redirection
Your child deliberately throws heavy or dangerous objects at people
Your child can be taught what is okay to throw and what is not
Throwing at others continues past age 3-4 despite consistent intervention

By Age

What to expect by age

12-18 months

Throwing emerges as a motor skill. Your baby drops and throws things to learn about gravity and cause and effect. This is not aggressive. Provide safe things to throw (soft balls, beanbags) and set up throwing play. Redirect unsafe throwing without punishing the skill itself.

18-30 months

Throwing during anger or frustration is common. Your child is flooded with emotion and throwing provides physical release. Stay calm, remove dangerous objects, and set the limit: "I cannot let you throw that. You can throw this ball instead." Offer a safe alternative for the physical impulse.

2.5-4 years

Teach the rule: "Balls are for throwing. Toys are not for throwing at people." Use natural consequences: "If you throw the toy, I will put it away because throwing toys is not safe." Follow through consistently. Provide plenty of opportunities for safe throwing through play.

4-5 years

Throwing at people should be rare. If your child still throws objects when angry, they may need more support with emotional regulation and impulse control. Help them identify the feeling before the throwing impulse and practice alternatives.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed toddler throws things at people and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child deliberately throws heavy or dangerous objects at people.
  • Mention if throwing at others continues past age 3-4 despite consistent intervention.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone
  • Occasional throwing during intense frustration
  • Throwing that decreases with consistent redirection
  • Your child can be taught what is okay to throw and what is not
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child deliberately throws heavy or dangerous objects at people
  • Throwing at others continues past age 3-4 despite consistent intervention
  • Throwing is part of a broader pattern of aggression
  • Your child targets specific people with thrown objects
Act now when...
  • Your child has injured someone by throwing objects
  • Throwing behavior is escalating in intensity and frequency

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice toddler throws things at people — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has injured someone by throwing objects.

Toddler Hits When Angry or Frustrated

Hitting is one of the most common toddler behaviors and is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Your toddler hits because their emotions are bigger than their ability to manage them, and physical expression is their most available tool. Hitting does not mean your child is aggressive or that you are failing as a parent. Respond by calmly stopping the behavior, naming the emotion, and teaching alternatives over many, many repetitions.

Teaching Toddlers to Manage Anger

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. The goal is not to prevent your toddler from feeling angry but to teach them safe ways to express and manage anger. Toddlers lack the brain development to regulate strong emotions independently - they need your calm, consistent coaching over many years. Punishing anger teaches children to suppress it rather than manage it.

Impulse Control Development in Toddlers

Impulse control is managed by the prefrontal cortex, which is the last part of the brain to fully develop - not until the mid-20s. Toddlers have almost no impulse control because this brain region is barely functional in early childhood. When your child reaches for something forbidden while looking right at you, they are not defying you - their brain literally cannot override the impulse. This is one of the most important things to understand about toddler behavior.

Teaching Emotional Regulation to Toddlers

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to emotions appropriately. Toddlers are just beginning to develop this skill, and it is not fully mature until the mid-20s. Your child is not choosing to be out of control - the brain regions responsible for regulation are literally still under construction. You are your child's external regulator until they develop internal skills.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is toddler throws things at people normal?
Throwing is actually a developmental milestone - it requires coordination and motor planning. Young toddlers throw to explore cause and effect. Older toddlers throw when frustrated because it is a powerful physical release. The goal is not to stop all throwing but to teach what can be thrown (balls outside) and what cannot (toys at people). Channel the urge rather than eliminate it.
When should I call the doctor about toddler throws things at people?
Your child has injured someone by throwing objects Throwing behavior is escalating in intensity and frequency
When is toddler throws things at people normal?
Young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone Occasional throwing during intense frustration Throwing that decreases with consistent redirection
What causes toddler throws things at people?
Throwing is actually a developmental milestone - it requires coordination and motor planning. Young toddlers throw to explore cause and effect. Older toddlers throw when frustrated because it is a powerful physical release. The goal is not to stop all throwing but to teach what can be thrown (balls outside) and what cannot (toys at people). Channel the urge rather than eliminate it. Common explanations include: Young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone. Occasional throwing during intense frustration.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler throws things at people?
You should mention toddler throws things at people at your next visit if: Your child deliberately throws heavy or dangerous objects at people. Throwing at others continues past age 3-4 despite consistent intervention. Throwing is part of a broader pattern of aggression.
Is toddler throws things at people normal at 12-18 months?
Throwing emerges as a motor skill. Your baby drops and throws things to learn about gravity and cause and effect. This is not aggressive. Provide safe things to throw (soft balls, beanbags) and set up throwing play. Redirect unsafe throwing without punishing the skill itself.
Is toddler throws things at people normal at 18-30 months?
Throwing during anger or frustration is common. Your child is flooded with emotion and throwing provides physical release. Stay calm, remove dangerous objects, and set the limit: "I cannot let you throw that. You can throw this ball instead." Offer a safe alternative for the physical impulse.
Should I go to the ER for toddler throws things at people?
Seek emergency care if your child has injured someone by throwing objects, or if throwing behavior is escalating in intensity and frequency. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does toddler throws things at people go away on its own?
In many cases, toddler throws things at people resolves on its own, especially when young toddlers throwing to explore - this is a motor milestone. By 4-5 years, throwing at people should be rare. If your child still throws objects when angry, they may need more support with emotional regulation and impulse control. Help them identify the feeling before the throwing impulse and practice alternatives.
ZERO TO THREEAAPCDC

References

  1. [1]Zero to Three. Aggressive Behavior in Toddlers. Zero to Three
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Shape and Manage Your Child's Behavior. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Positive Parenting Tips. CDC

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Throws Things at People.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed toddler throws things at people and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child deliberately throws heavy or dangerous objects at people.
  • Mention if throwing at others continues past age 3-4 despite consistent intervention.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child deliberately throws heavy or dangerous objects at people
  • Throwing at others continues past age 3-4 despite consistent intervention
  • Throwing is part of a broader pattern of aggression

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child has injured someone by throwing objects
  • Throwing behavior is escalating in intensity and frequency

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of toddler throws things at people are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has injured someone by throwing objects.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Toddler Hits When Angry or Frustrated

Hitting is one of the most common toddler behaviors and is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Your toddler hits because their emotions are bigger than their ability to manage them, and physical expression is their most available tool. Hitting does not mean your child is aggressive or that you are failing as a parent. Respond by calmly stopping the behavior, naming the emotion, and teaching alternatives over many, many repetitions.

Teaching Toddlers to Manage Anger

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. The goal is not to prevent your toddler from feeling angry but to teach them safe ways to express and manage anger. Toddlers lack the brain development to regulate strong emotions independently - they need your calm, consistent coaching over many years. Punishing anger teaches children to suppress it rather than manage it.

Impulse Control Development in Toddlers

Impulse control is managed by the prefrontal cortex, which is the last part of the brain to fully develop - not until the mid-20s. Toddlers have almost no impulse control because this brain region is barely functional in early childhood. When your child reaches for something forbidden while looking right at you, they are not defying you - their brain literally cannot override the impulse. This is one of the most important things to understand about toddler behavior.

Teaching Emotional Regulation to Toddlers

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to emotions appropriately. Toddlers are just beginning to develop this skill, and it is not fully mature until the mid-20s. Your child is not choosing to be out of control - the brain regions responsible for regulation are literally still under construction. You are your child's external regulator until they develop internal skills.

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