Mum question:My 3.5yr old is starting to struggle with jealousy issues towards my 2.5 month old. In the past couple of days Ive seen her slap him on the head, play too rough with him and look at me whilst standing over top of him making it look as if shes going to fall in him. Ive started reacting to her and she seems to be thriving off of negative attention which has been my worst nightmare. Shes a sweet little girl with a big big heart and my heart is breaking for her as her world has changed and now our relationship is changing as well. However, I need to protect my baby. Ive read Toddler Tactics, but Im wondering if you have any tips on how I can deter her from hurting him whilst keeping her integrity intact? And how can I support both of them to thrive in this situation? Pinky says: It is so hard for your older child adjusting and for you watching this happen and not being able to help your reaction. Often distracting the older child by asking her to help you with a big girl job will work well - helping cook (standing on a stool stirring/breaking beans/ cutting up fruit with a plastic knife) or cleaning with a spray bottle of water and a cloth as you clean. This can reconnect her with you and give your baby some space if he is having some playtime/sleep. You are really supervising her and giving positive attention at the same time. Cuddles and tickles release oxytocin and help rebalance her calming chemistry/hormones too - spending time with her one on one at times you can manage it will be helpful too. Try noticing any time she is gentle or kind no matter how small the effort. They will adapt and love each other even though its really tough right now. Meanwhile, here is a blog with more tips pinkymckay/sibling-love-when-your-toddler-hurts-your-baby/
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:49:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015