Please tell me that this behaviour from my 18 month old won't go on and on ?!

[herbgarden]

He is cheeky, chirpy and full of energy and always on the go. If he sees someone pull out the biscuits or snacks he's right in there, he has no spatial awareness, he'll nick other childrens toys, he'll shove them out the way if they have something he wants. Today he knocked one of his female peers off a little truck and pulled her hair.....I am finding it quite wearing as when we go to things I have to keep a constant eye on him - usually if there is a scream, he's involved. He is also quite the entertainer and unfortunately or fortunately an angelic looking blonde little boy who is commented on as being very cute but to me at the moment he seems to be the devil incarnate. He also will hit if cross or you tell him off. If he nicks something off someone else, I'll remove, distract and say no. If he hits, I'll say "no hitting" remove, get on his level and walk away. He invariably then cries and then wants a cuddle. He's pretty sensitive too - wants lots of cuddles from me and has a comforter. He's scared by loud noises and strange people so not brave and forward all the time. But he says a lot and is quite switched on too and won't sit down for five minutes - on the go constantly ! Just to give you a flavour .....Anyone any advice ?!
Thanks

No it won't last, 18 months is a one of those 'ages' I think! trying out himself and his environment and you! he'll get through it, no need to be too cross with him, just the tedious "no, gently, gently" and "that is for x why don't you look at this, ooh look it is a x!"

It'll go soon and then of course he'll be two. Much better obviously, I think there's a name for it actually..... Terrific twos?

I think I'll be well armed by the time the 2's get here......more attitude maybe, using larger objects to hit with? Bring it on !! ??!!

DD was truly awful at this age - much like yours. She's still pretty full on at 3 but things improved immeasurably as her language skills developed at around 2 to 2.5 years.

In other words, you've got a little while yet but there is light at the end of the tunnel I think

Of course now i have to deal with a three year old who thinks she's actually a teenager

I am going through a similar thing. The most useful thing someone suggested was to give positive suggestions rather than negative instructions.

So "Pat the dog gently" rather than "Don't hit the dog".

"Shall we share the toys with XXX" rather than "Don't snatch the toys from XXX".

Then lots of praise for (even vaguely) following the suggestion.

I also have found it useful to introduce 'turns' "It's XXX's TURN right now, and in a minute it will be your turn."

I am assured it does pass!

my dd 24mths is much the same hitting, scratching, throwing herself on the floor and having paddys. she wont give up toys easily. took her to m&t where a slightly older boy wanted the ride on toy she was pushing she dug her heels in held on tight and shouted mine!mine! mine! as she was dragged across the room. Fair play to her she won in the end after a bit of a punch up.