My 14mo has just started nursery and also recently started a play group as I was worried he's not socialised with other babies much - he can be a little clingy. However, I've noticed if he likes another child (usually babies but also does it to his 4 yo cousin) he whacks them in the face. Now I know him very well and it's 100% obvious there's no malice in it - you can see it's because he's really happy to see someone he likes and actually all he's doing is trying to touch their face, but is being too heavy handed about it. Whenever he does this I always say 'No, naughty to hit' and then reinforce 'gentle' by stroking his arm to demonstrate. I also apologise and explain to the child/adult that he's doi g it because he likes them but that I don't want him to clobber them. We're a very gentle family at home and while my ds is rambunctious he's very sweet and friendly and well behaved - definitely not out of control! I'm just worried about him getting a name for being a hitter when he really isn't. Until he's older we're trying to discourage him from touching faces, but is there anything else we can do to discourage this, or am I being too anxious? I do have anxiety issues so I'm not always sure if I'm worrying for nothing.