18 month old pushing

[CbeebiesAddict]

OK first off I know this is completely normal but I'm wondering how to handle it. DS pushes other children everytime they come near him. Today at soft play a little girl tried to hug him and he pushed her over

We say no and remove him from the situation. Today DH was with him and told him that if he did it again they would leave so when he did they did. Not sure an 18mo can understand consequences like that though?

How do people handle pushing of other children?

My 18 month old dd has just starting hitting, especially me when she is annoyed or frustrated. She also smacked a cousin who took a toy away from her . I've just read some advice on what to do, which we have been doing but can be hard of it's just the two of us. Show affection and concern for the person who has been hit and then say no hitting to child and then distract them with another activity. If it continues say for example they must sit quietly for a while and if it still continues remove them from the situation.
I guess that they can learn consequences if the behaviour and consequence is consistent each time.
I'd be more than happy with some advice if anyone else should come along