Originally Posted by Heidi:
First thought is that the preschooler didn't necessarily intentionally hurt the toddler. Although he was trying to assert his will over the little one, he couldn't necessarily say "if I push the door shut, little guy will get hurt, and that's what I want". More "I want the door shut, and I'm bigger".
I would not ask for his side of the story. I would simply show HOW it happened, and ask preschooler to be more gentle. "Being bigger than little guy means you could really hurt him. Please be more gentle with your friends." Or even "I KNOW you can be more gentle...I believe in you!".
Also...
"Next time, if someone is in your way, and you're having a problem, please ask me for help instead of pushing. I will come help as soon as I can".
