AIBU sending DD to bedroom for the rest of the day for hurting DS

[Nottooshabby]

Every time my DD hits my DS I banish her to the naughty step, explain the reasons why, get an apology, to myself and DS, she promises not to do it again...... The next time she does it, we go through the whole routine again. Today was the limit. DD pushed DS over on some concrete steps in the garden, DS got scratches on his poor little legs, he's only 2 and a half. So I sent DD, who's 5, to her bedroom for the rest of the day. I did explain why, and she knows she has done wrong, but will this banishing treatment work? If it fails, how can I get her to stop hurting her brother?? I am a single parent and I really need DD to work with me rather than against me. I don't like doing things like this, does it even work? or am I storing trouble up for myself later on? I already get 'you don't love me' if I tell her off!! HELP! :(

I think time out shouldn't be for more than 20 mins at that age. are you giving her too much attention afterwards while explaining/making up?

maybe eldest needs a bit of quality one to one time.

Thanks to all who replied previously, I purchased the Incredible Years Book, and working through the advice, it's a fantastic book, thanks for the recommendation, it's working. I have to say, the time out did work, the next day, and ever since DD has not attacked DS, and I have not had to kiss any more bumps or scrapes, or break up any physical fights! I have spend more quality time with DD, the praise thing really works, I mean regularly, DD is not looking for constant attention now, I am more aware of when she is good and commenting on that, and not waiting for the bust ups! YAY, we're moving in the right direction.

We are having this issue with my 5 year old son towards his 2 year old brother - usually it is because the little one hits him and he hits back. It is hard to explain to the five year old that he should come to us to deal with the issue if the toddler is violent, rather than lashing out, as the little one always gets hurt more and we have to punish the older. The 2 year old is just now starting to understand the naughty step and respond to it, but still sometimes treats it all as a big joke.