Dealing with a feisty toddler

DD (3 in Jan) can be sweet as pie and sometimes good with sharing, but other times, she can get very defensive/aggressive. She definitely has a fiery streak in her. It started with pinching other kids cheeks. Now she does less of that, but apparently now tries to kick. When we're at a mommy and me class, on a play date or on playground, I stay on top her to try to diffuse the situation before she strikes or to correct her/remove her immediately, if she does it. But now she started a 2 1/2 year old nursery program and every time I pick her up either she tells me herself that she kicked a boy because she didn't want him to play with her (she tattles on herself all the time) or the teachers will tell me that she was a little feisty. They say it's normal toddler stuff and to just keep reprimanding her. But it's so embarrassing sometimes. We talk about it ad nauseam. We discuss it every time we're going some place and she always tells me that she's not going to do it. If I catch her do it, she gets a time out once and she must say she's sorry. If she does it a second time, I tell her we have to leave. We don't usually get to a 2nd time, but I wish it wouldn't happen at all. I know toddlers can do this but sometimes it seems like she's the only one.

Any helpful tips for what has helped others who were in this situation?

Message edited 9/26/2013 1:01:24 PM.

Re: Dealing with a feisty toddler

I do think its normal. im new to toddler world so i am not sure ... my boy has pinched, bit etc .. time out works ... like you after time out it doesnt happen again... her telling on herself to you to me almost seems like she likes the attention she gets from you

Dealing with a feisty toddler

I have twin boys & going to be 2 next month. One of them just started pushing. I knw how hard it is.

Re: Dealing with a feisty toddler