Angry 17 mo

[MrsOomBoomBoom]

My DS is 17 mo and gets very angry if, around other children, they come near him and interfere with his play. He doesn't hurt them, just screams at them but I do feel I have to watch him very closely as he can upset the more sensitive ones. I say to him things along the lines of "it's ok, they're being friendly, they want to play with you" or "we have to share". I want him to go to playgroups as I think it's important he learns how to interact nicely with others. He goes to nursery one day a week, I'll ask them tomorrow what his behaviour is like there. He has a 9 yo brother and a 6 yo sister who love playing with him. He bit his sister this morning though, and she bit him back! I'm hoping there won't be any more biting.

So I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice? If they've been in a similar situation?

Sounds like a normal phase to me, he needs to learn to play alongside others then with others, which is normal development and will take time.

I hope your nursery will be able to reassure you but anger and yes, occational biting was expected from the children in the 1 to 2 age group in the nursery I worked in. He'll acquire more skills across the board and be ready to play with others.

All you can do is what you are doing, watching like a hawk and reassuring him. You can encourage sharing and turn taking by doing fun things you can only do together like rolling a ball. Maybe try talking to your six year old about why he bit her, being frustrated, cross etc.

Thank you waiting. That's really good advice