Tengokujin
11-19-2007, 05:24 AM
I think I need a reality check. I have an almost 8 month old and a 4 yr old. They do pretty well together, and I notice a lot of affection. :heart But my older son gets definitely frustrated with sharing his mother, and now, with the baby's mobility, I realize that I have NO IDEA how to help them both with the whole "he touched my toys" issue.
I talk with Jason about how to give David other toys, how to speak "not for David" as he gives the baby an appropriate toy, etc. He can do this, but doesn't always. I know that is reasonable--he is learning not only how to give him toys, but also how to deal with his own frustration.
But beyond that--are there strategies I can employ to make this less of an issue? We cosleep as a family, so the living room is the primary interaction area, and it is where Jason really wants to be when he plays--with all of us. We did set up a room that will eventually be the boys' bedroom as a toy/playroom, but Jason doesn't use it that much. He really wants to be with us, and that's good. I don't like the idea of " if you don't want the baby in your stuff, go to another room" kwim?
I try to keep living room clutter to a dull roar. Meaning, about once a day most of the toys are put back in the playroom, or the baby's toys go into small bins in the living room. There are a couple of Jason's toy sets that "live" in the living room. It didn't seem right to me that none of his toys be allowed to be there continuously. But there are certain toys that always must return to the other room, like Legos. Trains and train tracks must be played with in the playroom.
I am just tired of turning my back, and hearing a scream as the baby is hit in the head for using a toy car as a teether. It just doesn't seem possible for Jason to keep all his toys out of reach during the day.
I know, this is not the most unusual situation. It is boringly normal. But I could use some insight in terms of strategies and what I can reasonably expect with these brothers.
I talk with Jason about how to give David other toys, how to speak "not for David" as he gives the baby an appropriate toy, etc. He can do this, but doesn't always. I know that is reasonable--he is learning not only how to give him toys, but also how to deal with his own frustration.
But beyond that--are there strategies I can employ to make this less of an issue? We cosleep as a family, so the living room is the primary interaction area, and it is where Jason really wants to be when he plays--with all of us. We did set up a room that will eventually be the boys' bedroom as a toy/playroom, but Jason doesn't use it that much. He really wants to be with us, and that's good. I don't like the idea of " if you don't want the baby in your stuff, go to another room" kwim?
I try to keep living room clutter to a dull roar. Meaning, about once a day most of the toys are put back in the playroom, or the baby's toys go into small bins in the living room. There are a couple of Jason's toy sets that "live" in the living room. It didn't seem right to me that none of his toys be allowed to be there continuously. But there are certain toys that always must return to the other room, like Legos. Trains and train tracks must be played with in the playroom.
I am just tired of turning my back, and hearing a scream as the baby is hit in the head for using a toy car as a teether. It just doesn't seem possible for Jason to keep all his toys out of reach during the day.
I know, this is not the most unusual situation. It is boringly normal. But I could use some insight in terms of strategies and what I can reasonably expect with these brothers.