**At two, a calm, immediate limit is more useful than a telling-off.** You can teach him that pushing is unacceptable while keeping your time together warm and enjoyable.

Two-year-olds are still learning self-control and often play *alongside* other children rather than with them. This incident doesn’t show that his mother is educating him badly or that missing nursery caused it. [The American Academy of Pediatrics explains these age-typical social behaviours.](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/social-development-2-year-olds.aspx)

When he pushes:

1. **Stop the pushing gently.** Move between the children or gently block his hands.
2. **Use one short, firm sentence:** “I won’t let you push. Pushing hurts.” Keep your voice calm.
3. **Check on the other child.** Your son can watch you model caring: “Are you okay?”
4. **Give him an alternative:** “You want some space. Say ‘space, please,’ or come to Daddy.”
5. **If he pushes again, pause the play.** Stay with him somewhere quieter: “We’re taking a break so everyone is safe.” Try again when he is calm.

These steps follow guidance to stop hurtful behaviour, teach an alternative, and supervise closely. He will need many repetitions. [ZERO TO THREE’s toddler guidance](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/toddlers-and-challenging-behavior-why-they-do-it-and-how-to-respond/).

**His smile doesn’t establish that he was mocking you or understood what you meant.** You can’t reliably infer his feelings from that expression. Don’t increase the shouting to get a frightened reaction; judge success by whether you stopped the pushing and helped him practise something better.

With only two days a month, concentrate on a few consistent rules, plenty of play together, and noticing specific good behaviour: “You touched him gently.” Stay nearby during playdates, and let him watch or play separately without forcing interaction.

You can also repair the shouting simply: “Daddy shouted. I’m sorry. Next time I’ll use a calm voice. I still won’t let you push.” Being affectionate and setting firm limits can go together.