Is she a little monster ? Or is it normal ?

[Tillysmummy]

DD is going through what I hope is a phase at the moment. She is a very sweet and loving child but is very determined and strong willed. When we play with other children she goes up to them sometimes if they are in her way or something and puts her hands right up to them as if to push and then starts shaking. I know this sounds really weird and it is. She pulls the oddest face. I don't really know how to deal with her when she does this. She's not actually pushing but I get very cross and upset with her for doing it because she obviously is doing it because she's irritated with the other child. She's 20 months and has a very good vocabulary and understanding so I generally tell her off and tell her she won't come to play with people again if she behaves like this. I then ask her to apologise to the other child which she then does. But a few minutes later she will do it again.
She also yesterday went as if to kick the other child and I shouted at her and she stopped.

I am sure it is normal but I am not sure how to deal with it best. I want her to know it's not acceptable behaviour to do this. Does anyone have any good suggestions as to how I can deal with it and can anyone reassure me that it is normal.

I can't always go for the time out option because sometimes there's nowhere for her to go if we are out and about.

does she need to play with friends more often? does she go to a norsery or play group?

'nursery' even

Time out has worked for me. There is usually a place for them to sit at the side away from all the action.
THere is a fab book here in NZ by Dianne Levy called "of course I love you, now go to your room." It is so user friendly and the stuff in it really works.

A lot of people put this kind of behaviour down to attention seeking, my monster, 21 months bites, sometimes at random (god it is embarrassing!) he hates to be excluded so I usually sit him down where he is, quite firmly say n biting and then ignore him, he then cries because he is excluded and I leave him until until he stops then go and talk to him.

It does seem to be wrking but the little bugger would rather tear his heart out with a spoon than apologise(!) so ends up spending even more time sitting alone!