DS 10m scratching faces

[WhenWillItBeSummer]

My DS is 10m. He has recently started grabbing at peoples faces, especially mine, but also other adults and other babies/toddlers at play groups. He reaches out like a cat and scratches their face.

I have tried saying no in a stern voice, but he just smiles at me like it's a joke and tries to do it again. I've also tried holding his hands afterwards or showing him how to do it gently, but he doesn't seem to get it.

I am worried because he's starting nursery in a couple of weeks and if he does it to other babies what will they think?!! It's such unusual behaviour for him as he is usually such a smiley affectionate boy.

Has anyone had this? Any tips on what i can do to stop him? I almost feel that by telling him off he thinks it's a game and does it again to get a reaction, so I wonder if ignoring it is the way to go? Any help would be great as it is really starting to frustrate me.

Perfectly normal.

Carry on as you are, say no, move his hand away or move him away from other babies, show him how to be gentle. If you're carrying him or he is on your lap, you can also abruptly put him down while saying 'no, that hurts'.

This too shall pass and morph into even worse habits and behaviour

And the nursery won't bat an eyelid....scratching, biting, hair pulling, pushing, slapping it's all par for the course!

Just remember that when he is on the receiving end! They're all just learning.

Thanks, you've given me a healthy dose of perspective! As you say, I have years of things like this to come!!