My son is 11 months old and has just joined a playgroup. He is an only child and very hyper active.  He has only been around other children a few times and everytime a child gets close enough to him he will pull their hair.  I don't think he's doing this to be mean but I can't seem to get him to stop and I'm afraid that other parents won't want my son to be around their kids.  I'm hoping it's just a stage that will soon be over but how can I get him to interact with other children without him doing this? He is at an age where it's hard to get him to understand that it hurts when he does this to people and that it's not ok to do.  I've tried being very sturn and even spank his hand which will make him cry for a minute but then he will go right back and do it again.  I've also tried being soft and gentle when i tell him not to do it, i even show him how to be nice and soft with the other kids' hair but he still does it. I can't leave him alone for even a second around another kid in fear that he will rip their hair out.  Please help!!!

Upset mother