Development, Schemas
Development, Schemas
Why Is He Throwing?
Why Is He Throwing?
An 18 month old throwing toys is not naughtiness. It is physics, cause and effect, and early communication. Here is what the throwing is actually about.
An 18 month old throwing toys is not naughtiness. It is physics, cause and effect, and early communication. Here is what the throwing is actually about.
Sound Familiar
Sound Familiar
For a long time, everything within reach was launched across the room. Lego, cutlery, toys. The throwing didn't show anger, nor was it directed at anything. Still, Daniel couldn't understand why his son was doing this so intensely.
For a long time, everything within reach was launched across the room. Lego, cutlery, toys. The throwing didn't show anger, nor was it directed at anything. Still, Daniel couldn't understand why his son was doing this so intensely.
For a long time, everything within reach was launched across the room. Lego, cutlery, toys. The throwing didn't show anger, nor was it directed at anything. Still, Daniel couldn't understand why his son was doing this so intensely.
Daniel
Daniel
Starting Point
We slowed and analysed his behaviour. By exploring questions such as What was happening before he threw the toy? Did he watch it land? Retrieve it? Repeat with a similar toy? His emotional world appeared curious, focused, energised… no signs of distress to be seen.
My Approach
I introduced Daniel to the concept of schemas, repeated patterns of behaviour through which toddlers explore their world. His son was likely immersed in a trajectory schema: an interest in movement through space. Throwing allows a child to study force, weight, speed, sound and gravity in real time. Importantly, the throws were not directed at people; they were about the journey. We discussed offering safe opportunities to explore this, rather than suppressing the instinct. Alarming behaviours are now turned into observational understanding.
Starting Point
We slowed and analysed his behaviour. By exploring questions such as What was happening before he threw the toy? Did he watch it land? Retrieve it? Repeat with a similar toy? His emotional world appeared curious, focused, energised… no signs of distress to be seen.
My Approach
I introduced Daniel to the concept of schemas, repeated patterns of behaviour through which toddlers explore their world. His son was likely immersed in a trajectory schema: an interest in movement through space. Throwing allows a child to study force, weight, speed, sound and gravity in real time. Importantly, the throws were not directed at people; they were about the journey. We discussed offering safe opportunities to explore this, rather than suppressing the instinct. Alarming behaviours are now turned into observational understanding.
"I'm just happy he didn't throw his plastic pizza slice at the TV"
"I'm just happy he didn't throw his plastic pizza slice at the TV"
Daniel
Daniel
"I'm just happy he didn't throw his plastic pizza slice at the TV"
Daniel
Final Reflections
A few weeks later, Daniel told me how his son was behaving differently. The throwing was seen through different eyes, and it felt less concerning than before. He began to notice the concentration on his son's face. What Daniel once felt as disruptive now appeared developmental. The understanding that his son was mapping out physics through his body and movement.
Final Reflections
A few weeks later, Daniel told me how his son was behaving differently. The throwing was seen through different eyes, and it felt less concerning than before. He began to notice the concentration on his son's face. What Daniel once felt as disruptive now appeared developmental. The understanding that his son was mapping out physics through his body and movement.
About the Author
Josh Ezekiel is an early years practitioner with over a decade of experience working with children and families across the UK. He currently works in NHS mental health and CAMHS services, and is training as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at the Tavistock and Portman in London.