If Your Toddler Pushes Another Child

You’re at the park, everything is going well and all of a sudden your toddler pushes his friend out of the way… 😳 
 
Embarrassing, frustrating… I know ❤️ We have ALL been there. 
 
Let’s break down some immediate responses you may have: 
 
✖️ “Don’t do that!” ➡️ This is too general for your toddler and doesn’t provide guidance for what they CAN DO. 
 
✖️ “Why did you do that?” ➡️ Well, you likely already know the answer… because your toddler wanted to use the slide… wanted their toy back… (fill in the blank) Unfortunately, asking your toddler WHY doesn’t really help you or them learn from the situation. 
 
✖️ “That’s not nice!” ➡️ “Nice” has a lot of meaning to you… but it’s abstract to your toddler. It also doesn’t provide your toddler with guidance and clear direction of what “nice” means. 
 
OK, so what can you try instead ⬇️ 
 
Get very close with your body. You’re totally calm and you know what to do. 
 
✅ “You pushed your friend… Let’s look at her face. See, she’s crying, she’s upset.” ➡️ Bring attention to how the other child feels in a way your child can truly understand and relate to. 
 
You’d be surprised how often a toddler can engage in an altercation without even fully realizing what’s they’ve done or how they have contributed. 
 
The fact the other child is crying because they were pushed is very clear to you, but it may not be clear to your toddler at all :) 
 
Help them better understand the situation with your clear and precise guidance. 
 
✅ “You wanted to go down the slide, I know. Even when you want to, if another friend is there, you have to wait your turn. And you can say: My turn! After you.” 
 
Quick tip ➡️ I know your instinct may be to whisk your child away from the uncomfortable situation… but actually, the TEACHABLE MOMENT IS RIGHT THERE… IN THAT MOMENT ❤️ 

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