Sibling jealousy issues....

praline

So DD #1 is 2 yr 9 months and DD #2 is seven months.  I am having more and more trouble with DD #1 being jealous of the baby.  She has been acting out some...yesterday she bit my arm, she wants to be held all the time (and she's 39 lbs so it's not that easy), and more importantly she is petting the baby's head "vigorously," pinching her ears, trying to put her fingers in her eyes, etc, etc....

I am with them both all day so DD #1 does get a lot of my attention, but she also sees me give the baby lots of attention.  I supervise them both, but DD #1 is quick.  I correct her, and then I do give time outs.  Can anyone help with any more creative discipline techniques, or ideas for keeping DD from wanting to hurt/bother DD #2?  Maybe give her more responsibilities during the day?  I don't know how I can pay more attention to her!  Our whole day is basically arranged around stuff for us to do together.  This is just the beginning, isn't it!?

goodheartedmommy

I just wanted to let you know that the height of the issues for us has always been when the baby becomes mobile. Once they're a threat to the toys, all bets are off. It does get better, but it's a struggle for quite awhile.

pincushions

goodheartedmommy:

I just wanted to let you know that the height of the issues for us has always been when the baby becomes mobile. Once they're a threat to the toys, all bets are off. It does get better, but it's a struggle for quite awhile.

Yeah, she is right!

We don't go more than 2 hours without chaos around here and that is even with 2+ of everything.

 

praline

Ugh!  I figured.  It's hard because I feel sorry for both of them.  Poor DD #2 has no idea what's going on when DD #1 starts hitting her and stuff, but DD #1 sometimes seems to have an insatiable need for attention. 

DandelionMom

It is hard.  You might like the book Siblings Without Rivalry.  It is a good read and gave me a lot to think about.

Mominator

goodheartedmommy:

I just wanted to let you know that the height of the issues for us has always been when the baby becomes mobile. Once they're a threat to the toys, all bets are off. It does get better, but it's a struggle for quite awhile.

Agreed. But just know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It was pure and utter chaos in my house when DS started walking and DD was definitely at her worst for a while. They are now best friends and play together wonderfully.