To ask for advice re constant squabbling

[cadburyegg]

My DS are 3 and 6. They love each other but they CONSTANTLY squabble over everything at home. Going out (ha) is much easier because they don’t have toys to share. DS3 doesn’t quite understand the concept of sharing and each one wants what the other one is playing with. DS6 tries to engage him in a complicated game which DS3 doesn’t get etc etc. It’s honestly relentless. I’m a single parent and try my best to have 1:1 time with both of them but with the DS6 it’s almost impossible and I feel like whenever I’m with them I’m clearing up or cooking for them.

Is this the age gap? I guess I just want some reassurance that this is normal and how to manage them. the 3 year gap was so good when DS3 was born. Now not so much...

That sounds hard work OP.

You need realistic expectations based on age for sure, but you need to teach them to respect the other one’s space and things.

Do they share a room? Is the little one allowed access to the older’s stuff? Does the older get bossy and impatient?

You need to probably micromanage a little bit until they work out how to rub along. It’s awkward ages but will get better - my older son is 8 and adores his friend’s younger brother who is 4 - a few years make all the difference.