I tell everyones kids off basically, but I do it a certain way.
Some kids seem to make a bee line for little ones to push over and I am more than happy to kneel down, put my hand on their shoulder or arm (no I DON'T care about touching other peoples children!) and say firmly - don't push her over, its not nice and look them in the eye until they break contact.
THEN I say, hey lets all go on the slide, and get them all having turns nicely and it seems to work every time.
Usually if it's minor I let it go, but if it's intentional and repetitive or especially violent I say something. I usually do same thing, get down and make direct eye contact and say firmly in my best 'mummy' voice something like "you need to be gentle" or "we don't push little babies" etc. Seems to work OK. Giving them the eye seems to do the trick, especially if they are 4, 5 etc. They know they're doing the wrong thing and you've busted them.
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