I don't find your actions to be "hovering". You are her mother and she is only 2. Some people might believe she needs experiences like these to toughen up, but I disagree. You have a right to protect your child, but I would hope that if you see a situation escalate, you could circumvent it before another child goes into attack mode. Not sure why this is happening, but I'd be very concerned. Are you a part of a playgroup with two or three children who are repeating this type of behavior or is this happening no matter where you go? Your daughter is at a very important stage in her social development, and unfortunately, she is having some bad experiences and is associating other children with pain. Does she have at least one child she can play with who is not so physical? I might plan a playdate at the park with that friend and her child, which would give her someone else to interact and explore withI like the idea of the class environment. Or, I might try some other positive forms of recreation or another playground where she might meet different children until I have had time to help my baby build up her confidence. But, at this age, a lot of children don't really interact, they do parallel play. They are still learning rules and we're all at different stages of development. Some children are very ego centric and if they want something they demand it or snatch it and will attack. Some aren't too aware of other peers, but will play. Some are very sociable early on, but thrive with older children and not other toddlers. Yes, there are aggressive children, poorly trained or high-strung or bullies, everywhere, but these should be isolated incidents, not such a regular occurrence that she is now terrified of her peers. I'm curious about why it appears kids are going after her? I keep hoping that it's one or two of the same children who happen to be there the same time you are. If this is the case, I then would not feel guilty one bit when the child's parents/caregiver arrive at the scene and I explain that I've had to protect my child from theirs. Most people know that their child is aggressive, so it frustrates me when they unleash that energy onto unsuspecting people without monitoring their child. It happens. You cannot fix their situation, but you can make sure your child is safe, feels she is protected and that she learns that behavior is not tolerated in your family. I wouldn't have one bit of guilt. I think you're doing a great job.
