**At two, the useful response is to stop the pushing calmly and show him what to do next.** Wanting him to be afraid of you sets the wrong goal: you want him to learn how to treat other people. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends calm limits and teaching, and advises against shouting and shaming. [AAP discipline guidance](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Disciplining-Your-Child.aspx)

Two-year-olds are still developing language and impulse control. Pushing can happen when another child gets too close or interrupts their play. His smile alone cannot tell you whether he understood your correction or how he felt about it. You can keep the same calm limit whatever his facial expression. [ZERO TO THREE’s guidance on toddler aggression](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/aggressive-behavior-in-toddlers/)

Next time:

1. **Stop the push immediately.** Move between the children or gently block his hands. Say, in a firm, ordinary voice: “I won’t let you push. Pushing hurts.”
2. **Check on the other child.** Briefly comfort them and make sure they are okay.
3. **Give your son an alternative.** “If you want space, say ‘space’ or come to Daddy.” Help him move away. He can decline to play; he needs your help to do that safely.
4. **If he pushes again, pause the interaction.** Take him a little distance away and stay with him while he settles. Try again when he is ready, with you close enough to intervene.
5. **Notice safe behavior.** Be specific: “You waited,” or “You touched him gently.”

These steps follow the approach of stopping aggression, setting a brief limit, and teaching an alternative. Expect to repeat them many times. [ZERO TO THREE’s guidance on self-control](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/coping-with-aggression-and-teaching-self-control/)

Also, nursery attendance alone does not explain this incident. At two, playing alongside other children and struggling to share are common. Short, supervised opportunities to play near another child are reasonable practice. [AAP guidance on social development at two](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/social-development-2-year-olds.aspx)

With only two days together each month, focus on warm, predictable time together and a few consistent limits. You can enjoy him and intervene when someone gets hurt. If you shouted, a simple repair helps: “I shouted earlier. I’m sorry. Next time I’ll use a calm voice. I’ll still stop you from pushing.”