DT1 keeps hitting ds1 and dt2 over the head with toys, and I am unsure what else I can do to make him stop.

[Overrun]

He used to be the victim, as dt2 used to bite a lot, he still does, but not as much as he used to. So I am expecting a certain amount of fighting with three boys, and twins are notoriously competititve.
It's just that he hits so hard, today he broke a toy on dt2's head, and it broke the skin.
I have tried talking to him, showing him where he has hurt the other child. I have also resorted to a naughty corner. He knows what is it for, but after his two minutes are up, he still want apologise. And most importantly, it doesn't stop him from doing it again.
Now, I know this kind of behaviour is all normal for toddlers, but at the same time, dt2 is really getting quite badly hurt.
Any thoughts?

[throckenholt]

your boys are really pushing all your buttons aren't they ?! Mine were very similar at that age (one was a biter which was awful). If it is any consolation now at just over 4 such events are pretty rare.

Has dt1 got any any favourite toys or cuddlies ? What worked up to a point for mine was to remove one of their favourites to a high shelf where they could see it but not get it. For a limited time and with a clear explanation as to why he was off limits.

I also always tell mine to talk to each other and tell then what they want and what is upsetting them, and that I know they can work out a way round it between them. It doesn't always stop the fighting and screaming but it is a good strategy for them to learn.

And believe it or not most twins are better at sharing than singletons.

[Overrun]

Thanks Throkenholt, you are exactly the person I needed, you have been through it God biting is awful as well isn't it. They can really cause damage at quite a young age, can't they? Good to know that it gets better after 4.
I will try the toy thing, dt1 (the culprit) does tend to have some toys that he is very fond of. Atm, he is wearing postman pat glasses (he looks very sweet), but expect that he is under seige, by the other two for them.

[throckenholt]

what sometimes works when they both want the same thing is to say x has it for 2 minutes, then y has it for 2 minutes, then x has it again. Funny when they say - no - he should have it for 5 minutes - because they have no real idea that 5 is longer than 2 - they just want to have input into the rules !

and remember the mantra - it is just a phase, it is just a phase.

[Overrun]

I've toyed with the idea of the timed playing before, and did do it once. I expect you have to do it for a while before they cotton on to the fact they are going to get it back. I had to spend the whole 2 minutes converting the one who didn't have the toy,and then it was like ground hog day when I swapped

[throckenholt]

yep - it is like that to start with - but gradually it gets better and begins to work. And then they amaze you are their willingness to share in the most unexpected ways.

[Overrun]

Right, some thing else for me to try then