DD is almost 20 months old. She has always been a very independant little girl! Around 15 months she started pushing other toddlers, and babies. I would tell her we give gentle touches to other people. Generally, she would not do it, but out of the blue, pick one kid across the room and dart towards them and push them. I started keeping right on top of her when around other kids. In daycare, she chose one little boy in particular to push all the time. Now she does it to everyone at school. The teachers are great, and say that they usually can stop the push before it happens b/c they know her personality. But, when it does happen, they've said that she will give a gentle touch and proceed to push immediately after. I've been experienceing the same thing at home. I wondered if it was b/c she was upset or frustrated about something, but the teachers thinks that she does not seem upset or frustrated. They think that she is extremely bright and strong willed, and that might have something to do with it. They think that she's too smart, and knows that she will be praised for gentle touching but then can go ahead and still push. They also feel that talking strongly towards her is not the right approach b/c she really doesn't care. What they have started to do is seperate her from the other children by a barrier while she gets to stay with the other teacher. This seems to upset her b/c she loves being with the other kids. It seems to work, and has reduced the pushing at school, plus the fact that they always have an eye out to avoid the pushing in the first place. My question is, will this eventually stop? What can I do at home? She pushes me, and I put her down and walk away so she can't. She'll give me a gentle touch, and then push again. Same thing when she's with me at a playground. Do I remove her and go home? Please help!!! I absolutely have never even considered any form of physical punishment. I just would like someone to critique what I'm doing. I won't be offended by anyone's suggestions. Just to add, I'm a single mom, so when I'm with her there is no one else to help.
Thanks!
Thanks!
