2 and 3 year old sons fight all day. Wits end. How can I stop this?

[JuliaAndJohn]

My two sons fight all day and when they are not fighting they wind each other up and take each other's toys.

I discipline them for things they do naughty - they go to their rooms for timeout. But I am at a loss what to do about the fighting. It often starts off as fun but usually descends into chaos. I never know who started it, who kicked who first, or who should be 'punished'.

What do other mums do about fighting boys? I am fed up of people telling me 'that's what boys do'. I am sick of it. It usually starts at 6:30 when they come into our bedroom and they start fighting about who is going to sit where on our bed. Other days it starts because one says "no" to the other. The other says "yes" back and they fightover whether 'it' is yes or no. Doh. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. HELLLLLLLLP. I can't stand another day of it.

They are better out and about - but I can't be out and about all day.

... anyone... having a BAAAAAAD day

ok... so I give up. It's obviously just me

You are not the only one, two boys 22 months apart.
Now easier as 4 year old has just started reception and feels more like a big boy.

Spending time with them seperately to make them both feel independent of the other. And, I think you have to make it really clear what is and is not acceptable with firm discipline. Also I find that spending time with other kids makes them treat each other better.

Or if there is fighting punish them both. Ie: if I have to come into the living room again then the TV goes off. Don't take sides as you quite rightly observe they are both at it!

ermm - sounds like my sons. Normal development, but I usually have to separate them because the younger one always loses otherwise. I get really fed up as well and just issue No Fighting diktats really.

Not sure it's a boys thing - ds and dd are 3 and 2 aswell and fight all the time. Gets worse once the younger one can fight back doesn't it?

Hi there - comiserations to all those with fighting kids. My sons are 4.5 and 1.5 and the older one frequently bullies the younger one (hate using the word bully, but frankly that's what it is!). It has never caused injury, but often there are tears from the younger one. However on the flip side the older one does look out for his brother and alerts me if he's in danger and will do things like 'read' to him etc. I have noticed that the younger one is now starting to initiate 'rough and tumble' too. I was rather hoping that when No.2 could fight back that might make the older one back off a bit!
I've really just come online today because I've been having a bad time recently too - I really do sympathise with that dawn - dusk feeling of frustration. Dawdling and non-cooperation are my 4 year old's current trump cards and they are driving me completely bananas.
Good luck to you all in getting through the day. (I'm British but writing from Australia - so Hopefully you're all getting some well earned sleep at present)
Cheers!