I've been trying a new discipline tactic with the kids that is working well. John and Mary are very attached playmates, but they do fight at times each day--and in particularly when Mary is overtired, tears abound about sharing toys. When I can't stand the crying and I won't keep getting up to intervene and teach negotiation skills, I separate the little ones, requiring them to play in separate rooms.
I figure that if they really need some private time, they'll enjoy the time apart and peace will reign. So far, that hasn't ever happened (but I know with particular sibling pairs and personalities, it's needful). Instead, every time I separate them, they spend their alone time begging me to be able to play together and promising to get along well. And then they do! It's great.
Isn't it a crime to purposely have only one child?
ReplyDeleteSarah Faith: I know! There are so many benefits to siblings that I'm discovering, it's just wonderful! As I type this, my littles are in the den singing together beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThis is the same tack I take with my two. Usually just the "threat" of making them play in separate rooms is enough to get them back on track. Especially Emma...as much as she moans about her little brother "destroying" her things, she'd much rather work around her frustration than have to go play someplace away from him. She'll tell me, "look, I'm compromising!" LOVE it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you and Sarah Faith on the only child thing!!! I'm an only child and I HATE HATE HATE it!!!! I still complain to my parents about it. I know a lot of people don't have the choice, for various reasons, but my parents made the choice, and it still irks me after thirty-some-odd years.