Boistrous toddler, help!

[squirral]

Hi, I have a beautiful 2 1/2 yr old boy who is so physical that I'm struggling.

The problem is that even a simple cuddle involves being crushed or jumped on. Normal day-to-day activities such as dressing regularly result in accidental head-buts because he randomly jumps or starts dancing about. Playing with friends always leaves me nervous because he can accidently injure others by overpowering them during simple games.

I am constantly telling him to stop doing something or to calm down but he is simply being himself and he clearly feels confused about why he is being 'told off'.

How do I teach him to reign himself in without stopping him from being himself?

I have the same problem with my 2.6 yr old. I would love to know how too!

not specifically but generally, I've found things that start in 'don't' or 'stop' much less effective than positive statements of how I do want dd (2.6) to behave, and also praise when she does

so key phrases atm include
Bit more quietly please
Little jumps please
Dancing after clothes on
and
Oh what lovely gentle stroking dd (of newborn ds)
That was very kind
You are sitting beautifully dd
etc etc

less frustrating for me than constant 'no stop it no stop it'

Thanks for your suggestions. I do try and use positve reinforcement but I think he acts before he thinks so doesn't have time to remember what he has learnt.

I do wonder if its a maturity thing. I know several girls the same age who seem more able to understand an other persons experience of the world while my son seems unable to grasp that he may hurt us.

It's like living with a gorgeous bear cub.

Sounds like a normal child to me. Have you tried playing games like stuck in the mud to encourage him to slow down a little? He can run around outside.

Its very normal. They need lots of running around and no parents heads near them when they jump up. I friend of mine had her front tooth knocked out by her eldest when he accidentally jumped up at the wrong time!

I have no idea how many time I've been headbutted by ds, never on purpose though. They learn to chill when they are older, the world is sooo exciting at 2 and a half, it's great!!

Thanks all,
Think I just need to get a bit quicker on my feet.