2 year old hits herself and her stuffed animals

My 2 year old daughter has been hitting herself in the heads repeatedly lately.  I can not figure out if there is a pattern to her behavior because sometimes she just does it randomly.  She is also now "reprimanding" and hitting her teddy bear.  She does swing at myself and her daddy but more me than anyone else.  She hits and kicks and I try to explain to her that it isn't nice and that it hurts but I don't think she understands.  Help!  I am scared and I don't want her to hurt herself.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Two-year-olds often hit themselves due to frustration, and you needn't worry about that. But be sure to take decisive action if your daughter is in any way aggressive toward you. Talking to her will not be particulalrly helpful. You have to discipline her. If she is aggressive, give her a time out (sitting in a chair for a few minutes quietly) immediately. All yuo have to say is "No hitting" (or whatever the behavior is). It's fine to say that hitting hurts, but all by itself that will not result in her changing her behavior.