Two Under 2

Do you let your toddler touch the newborn toys?

We are up and down about what to do about my 21 month old touching the swing, pushing the swing, turning the swing, etc.  We tell him to be gentle, but I don't know if it's working. He usually likes to play with it when she is not in the swing or the bouncer, but recently he has been pushing her in the swing as well and very rough- He thinks its playing I am sure.  What to do?  We tell him Don't Touch etc, but I don't think we have been consistent which I am sure is the problem.

Re: Do you let your toddler touch the newborn toys?

  • I never discourage but direct interaction with baby. Do not scold unless aggressive. Rough play is part of experimentation. 21mo don't have a concept of self and other yet. Reinforce gentle, praise when LO is gentle and plays well. Make a huge deal with they do it right and teach and reinforce when they do it wrong.
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  • yes. that is not realistic to think you can keep him from touching your dc's things. teach him how to touch/play with her appropriately.
  • I tired using be gentle or not so rough but it really didn't work.  DD just wanted to see what was in there.

    DD was alway trying to climb in the empty swing, carseat, and bouncy chair.  I finally figured out she wanted to buckle everything when he wasn't using it.

     

  • I just had to get used to the idea that my DD would have a little rougher swing ride and, more bounce in her bouncy seat Wink

    We absolutely have to let him touch these things, we dont' want him to feel like she is "off limits" in any way.  When he tries to "help" DD swing or bounce we just, in a very calm voice, remind him that we have to be gentle.  And we even thank him for "helping".  We don't leave him with her w/out us being in the room.  Not b/c he woudl try to hurt her, but he just doesnt' understand when he is being too rough.

  • imageJARbaby:
    I never discourage but direct interaction with baby. Do not scold unless aggressive. Rough play is part of experimentation. 21mo don't have a concept of self and other yet. Reinforce gentle, praise when LO is gentle and plays well. Make a huge deal with they do it right and teach and reinforce when they do it wrong.

    Ditto. This is what I do too.

    image Mommy to Barbara 11/8/05, Elisabeth 5/13/07, Loukas 12/23/08 and Lazarus 09/25/12
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