New to the board- need advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2003
New to the board- need advice
3
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 11:59am

My 2 yr. old daughter and 4 yr. old son are driving me insane... they can't even play together for 2 minutes without screaming and fighting over everything. It's really starting to wear on my patience. Then I just yell at them because they hit and pinch and hurt eachother. They can't share anything and can't get along. My son just ignores my daughter and all she wants is to play with him. How can I get them to stop the fighting before I run screaming from the house? lol... No, it's really starting to get to me though. Any advice? Thanks!

Kyla

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 12:16pm
Don't let them play with each other. If you have the space to do this make one play in one room and the other has to play in their room, or another room. I did this too my twins when they were younger and it helped them appreciate each other and to be glad they had a live in play mate. They missed each other, now they don't know how to play alone. Maybe try it. I still do it today at almost 7 yrs old when they start fussing alot or fighting a lot and just the mention of it will make them stop and play better together.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2005
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 6:14pm

Welcome to the board Kyla!

Two words... "duct tape" LOL j/k... it's an on going joke around here :o)

Seriously though... find activities that they can do separately. Maybe they just are together a little *too* much. Does your oldest attend preschool or Mothers' Day Out? If not, that might be an option too.
Most importantly, make them hug and say "I'm sorry" when they fight... it's very important that they learn that. Whenever my kids fight, the BOTH get in trouble... I don't care who starts it, momma finishes it kwim?

BTW... I'm Desiree in North Texas, married almost 12 years to Kyle. I homeschool my kids Natalie (7), Hannah (3), and Brayden (19 months).

It's great to have you here!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2007
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 8:34pm

I agree. Make them play alone for a while. I have 2 boys. They are 4 and 5 1/2.
They play great together most of the time. I think they do need to learn to entertain themselves. Independence from one another is good for them. Hang in there. I know the feeling. Maybe it would be good to find a play group where they can play with other kids also. I work from home and am enjoying it. My boys are in K and PreK.

Moya