How do you deal with bullying?

My son is a bully I realise it is normal toddler behaviour but how do you deal with it?
My friend came round yesterday with her son who is the same age and he spent the whole time pushing him round. I was horrified I got down to his level and said "We do not hit others it's not nice!" etc and then redirected his attention but he just kept doing it over and over again. In the end I put him in his room for a few minutes - too young for time out I'm sure but didn't know what else to do!

Thanks Squishysmum

50 views and only one reply! Surely there are other mums in this situation!??

I used to nanny a boy who was a like this and what fixed it was just removing him and being consistent over a few weeks. So when we were out somewhere fun and he repeatedly bullied other kids, i'd pick him up, put him in the car and go home. Soon enough he learned that if he did it he would be removed from fun situations. Before we went i would always remind him how to behave and what would happen if he didn't. Then while there if he bullied he'd get a reminder, second time he'd get the ultimatum (do it again and we're leaving), third time just go no discussion. That's the Supernanny method - that women knows her kids, it worked so well.

I'd tell friends what we were doing beforehand and say sorry if we leave but i've got to knock this on the head and people understood (and respected you for not enabling a bully!).   I think it only took about 3 times of actually leaving and then warnings were enough.

You have to make it their problem and if you say you're going to do it (leave) you have to be prepared to do it or they'll learn that what you say isn't true.

I've only really dealt with this issue on a sibling to sibling basis but my 2cw anyway... The trouble with under 2yrs and even often under 3yrs (especially for boys) is that the language is so limited. So when that age feels "threatened", e.g. by other kids taking and playing with his toys or even his space, the only thing he knows to do is to push and shove. Playing with others co-operatively doesn't usually come until 2yrs so it can take a lot of work, but try to get him into situations where he can feel less threatened with another child there. I'm not sure what you could start with but perhaps he has a whole heap of mega bloks which can be shared without either of them running out. You may need to put your hand on his and keep him occupied on building (or whatever his level is at) instead of the other kid. And I'd keep the visits short and sweet and build them up over time.