Apologies if the thread has lived on from toddler baby chat but I just want to respond to everyone as all the advice has helped a lot.
@WeSearchedHereWeSearchedThere thanks for the advice. That comparison about bringing another woman is spot on really.
I've now cut out the big girl talk and treat her like a baby sometimes.
@MessAllOver when I'm trying to get toddler to eat I say 'look the baby wants this but they aren't allowed it, this is only for you'. That seems to work.
@Chocolatetrifle I call my two the twinnies and when the baby lies on the changing mat sometimes the toddler likes to lie with her pretending to be changed too so I have my twinnies.
@MonkeyPuddle I think tv makes her behaviour worse too and we only have had it on Saturday and Sunday mornings. But I've been wondering wether to actually schedule half an hour in around 4pm to give us all a rest from each other. That's the sort of time that the touch paper can be lit and shouting and tears happen. Not sure what to do but I'm not ruling anything out for now.
I love the idea of cuddle family sandwich too!
@Lostthetastefordahlias so many great things you've said here. Toddler definitely yearns physical contact so I must be mindful to do this. I'm really trying to not get her to fetch me stuff too now you've said.
I also liked how you said about your toddler feeling safe and secure enough to play independently. I'd never looked at it like that at all and I've noticed a tiny bit of that play returning.
Just seen your hands craft too and it looks fab.