Toddler pushed younger child over today

[MrsCremuel]

I was suitably mortified. We went to a singing/dancing group which he LOVED to the point he was getting a bit rambunctious. When he is like this he does this thing where he will run near children as if to bump into then but not actually touch them and veer off at the last minute, but it’s like he enjoys the thrill of being close to a telling off and that he has avoided it?!

I was watching him like a hawk and ready to take him out of the fray when he he did actually end up pushing over a smaller girl. It had seemed they were playing nicely so I didn’t expect it! I told him to say sorry which he did, said it was unkind and that he must now sit with me on the mat for 5 minutes. I then let him join in again with a warning that we would leave if he did it again. We did end up leaving a tad early at the free play bit mainly because I could see he was tired and didn’t want to risk it!

Did I handle this OK? Is he a monster? Am I a softy nightmare mum?

I should add this is the first time he has done this!

My little one always does this unfortunately hence why I have him on reigns all the time in the park. This is why I don't go to baby groups. His an only child and gets excited when he sees kids but is boisterous where he wants to show love but I am on him all the time trying to stop him from hurting another toddler. I think you've handled it pretty well but toddlers can be unpredictable. My little one just as I thought he got used to kids without touching them suddenly poked a little girl in the eye, thankfully the parent was understanding and the other day tried to head but a kid in the lift, again thankfully I had the reigns on and pulled him.

@SeptemberNC I’m never sure if it’s something all toddlers do occasionally or not. There has been one report of shoving from nursery in the year he has been there. I’m due my second soon so might need to consider reins as DS is also a bit of a bolter at times. Never really thought I would.