Pushing

[allisonrose]

My recently turned 2 y/o is in a pushing phase. A month or so ago, he saw a 3 or 4 y/o girl push her 1 y/o sister and ever since then he has pushed a bit. Today we went to a playgroup that we've been going to for quite a time although it's not always the same children. He was pushing the other kids anytime they wanted to play with whatever he was playing with. Each time, I picked him up, told him no pushing and then held him on my lap for a short period of time (30 seconds-a minute). I hoped that getting taken away from the fun activity would discourage the pushing.

The other moms were pretty cool about it but I got frustrated because it seems like it is always my son knocking over other kids. I even ended up leaving a bit early from playgroup due to it.

Any other moms with "pushy" kids and found a good way to discourage it?

[redvlagrl]

All I can say is that I feel your pain. I do the exact same thing as you (remove child, talk, hold on lap). I do think it is helping after a few months.

Though I do still discipline in the same way, I am not quite as vehement when it is in self defense (if another child was taking something from her). In these instances I will give her some words to say. I will say "If someone is taking your toy away you can say wait your turn". Phrases I tell her to use are:

"Wait your turn" - when another child wants the toy she's using
"Stop!" - when someone is pushing her (rather than retaliation)
"Me next!" - when you want a turn on the toy next

Seems to be working...slowly. She now will say excuse me if she is pushing past someone.