At a glance: Throws toys, food, or objects forcefully or repeatedly. This is a normal part of toddler development. See practical steps and 32 related activities below.
Provide safe, sanctioned throwing: soft balls, bean bags, scrunched-up socks into a basket. Set clear, simple rules: 'Balls are for throwing. Books are not.' At mealtimes, offer a 'finished' sign or bowl: 'Food stays on the tray. When you're done, put it here.' When they throw in frustration, name the feeling: 'You're cross. Let's throw this ball instead.' Redirect immediately and consistently — same response every time. Praise appropriate throwing enthusiastically.
Many toddler behaviour spikes come from hunger, tiredness, transitions, or a mismatch between big feelings and limited language. The goal is regulation first, teaching second.
If this pattern feels intense, persistent, or starts affecting sleep, safety, nursery, or family routines, it’s worth speaking to a professional. Your health visitor or GP can discuss your concerns and refer you to specialist support if needed. The NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) also offers free, confidential advice on any child behaviour concern.
Use this when your child is throwing toys, food, or objects and you want to channel the impulse into acceptable play rather than just stopping it.
If throwing is aimed at people and intended to hurt, treat it as an aggression issue first. Redirect to the hitting guide, then come back here for the throwing impulse.
Your child throws balls or beanbags instead of hard objects. They pause when you say 'not for throwing' and look for an alternative.
Say 'Balls are for throwing — let’s throw this instead' and hand them something soft. Create a throwing target (a basket, a cushion) so the impulse has a safe outlet.
Throwing is a genuine gross motor milestone — around 12–18 months, toddlers discover they can release objects with force, and it's thrilling. They're learning cause and effect (what happens when this hits the floor?), trajectory, gravity, and spatial awareness. For older toddlers, throwing can also express frustration when words aren't enough, or be a bid for attention — even negative attention is attention. At mealtimes, throwing food often signals 'I'm done' before they have the language to say so.
Don't overreact — big reactions (gasping, shouting) are entertaining and reinforcing. Don't punish developmental throwing in young toddlers — they need to throw, just not everything. Don't remove all throwing opportunities — suppressing the urge doesn't work. Don't assume aggression, especially in children under 2.
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