16 month old rough with other toddlers

[Macey78]

I will really appreciate any thoughts on how we should deal with our DD, 16 months who has recently started to push, is generally rough, pulls hair of other toddlers as well as this type of behaviour she is also able to display affection in as she will give kisses, cuddles etc.

She has done this at a couple of toddler groups and we try and remove her from the situation and distract , however she does not come quietly she will arch her back and is shouting, admittedly not for long but we still feel ourselves getting rosy cheeked!!. I am also worried that a couple of parents have started keeping there distance.

We are hoping this phase passes quickly, have you been through this? and how did you get through it?

Watch her closely and remove as soon as she does it. Don't worry about the shouting I have walked out of a playgroup with screaming dd1 aged 2 tucked under my arm and no one even looked up.

Say no firmly and play with her with something else. She'll soon pick up a) what no means b) what happens when she pushes.

I went through this, it lasted aged 1 through to aged 3.5, and he just got louder.

Sounds like you are doing a good job, just carry on keeping a close eye and removing immediately. Say no and then start playing something else. IME no one minds as long as you are watching her and reacting. No one will pay any attention to her shouting.

Personally I don't like toddlers being encouraged to kisss and cuddle non family members as I think toddlers need to learn that people like to have their own space and some toddlers don't like being cuddled, but that's up to you.

I have seen lots of toddlers go through this, some it has passed very quickly, others much longer :S

I too went through this with ds1, I would time out in the hallway the first time, second time we would leave wherever we were toddler group/friends house/soft play etc.

He's 11 now and an absolute dream, and not at all physical.

I too wouldn't worry about the screaming. I think most parents (of the ones she might be rough with) will just be hoping you act on it, and the screaming not an issue.

I think you're doing the right thing and the phase will soon pass if you're consistent with what you are doing.