2.5 year old very defiant boy, how to teach boundaries?

[Dgxx]

Hi all,

I have a very defiant stubborn 2.5year old son. He has been minded by his grandmothers since I returned to work after maternity leave so has had little to no socialisation with other children bar being at parks or play centres every other week. He gets so excited when he does play with other children that he gets rough and does not step away when the other child tells him go stop when I try to intervene and explain to him he gets very upset and hits and kicks and runs after the child continuing the behaviour which has stopped me from bringing him around other children.
He is full of energy and has always been a very stubborn child. I just feel like I have failed at being a parent as I have had many comment on his behavior. Does anyone have any tips on how I could help him with respecting others boundaries. Granted I know he's very young but I don't want him to be constantly getting in trouble or me giving out all the time.

At that age it's just a case of watch them like a hawk and grab them asap if things look like they might escalate. I think right now rather than try to explain when he is over excited you need to just remove him then or before he gets to that point.
Away from other children do lots of things with him where he is encouraged to take turns with you, to listen, to be gentle etc You can teach him how to act without other children present, it's just one of things - toddlers need to be taught again and again and again and again and one day it will start to filter through and things will improve!

You've had some great advice already. I'd just add that you might want to do this quick SLT progress checker. It will tell you if he needs a bit if support on this area.