Conflict with two boys at nursery - is this normal?

[nurserymumma]

My son is 2.5 (32 months) and has been getting into conflicts with another little boy the same age at nursery. My son is "boisterous" but happy, but for some reason he and this other boy just don't click at all and really rub each other the wrong way.

I've had loads of phone calls saying that "other boy" bit my son / scratched him / hit him etc. Equally my son has retaliated. Obviously they are 2 and these things happen but it's becoming very regular.

My son has some kind of bite, bruise or scratch every day and always says it was "other boy" when I ask him about it. He is also very upfront about telling me he hit him back. Often these marks have gone uncommented to me by the nursery carers as they have obviously missed the incident. I get the impression it's so regular and the staff are doing other things so can't keep an eye every second. One of the nursery staff did let slip that "other boy and [my son] just don't get on with each other".

My son often says he hasn't told his carers, and when I ask him why he says " they are too busy".

Do you think this is just normal for nurseries or should I ask the carers to keep a closer eye on them or even try not to let the two boys play together?

Bump

You need to have a strong word with the staff!
This is not on.
Either boy needs to be taught how to behave at nursery and the staff are there to do that.
Don't blame the other boy - it's the staff that need to step up and teach them how to behave.
It could be both boys or just one but other kids may be in the same position.

You need to talk to nursery, yes it is not uncommon at this age, but they should be identifying triggers for the butting: hitting for both boys and if necessary keeping them apart.

It happens, but once staff realise the kids are kept separate. You need to complain about it every time it happens and possibly even speak to the director. Don’t let it go or it will just keep happening.

I find this a bit shocking. This shouldn’t be happening repeatedly imo. I’d be having a meeting with the manager and documenting the marks… if it doesn’t stop after intervention with the staff id probably consider moving him or some strong action. This can’t be teaching your son positive things and I can’t understand how the staff can miss it over and over again? The boys shouldn’t be able to hurt one another in anursery setting imo. Good luck. X