Help me get through this phase with 14 mo and 3yo.

[DeathMetalMum]

Argh all they seem to do at the moment is fight. 14mo dd is hitting, smacking, hair lulling and scratching and dd (3.5) is getting the brunt of it.

They want the same toys all the time and just can't seem to last 5 minutes without arguments. We can't seem to cuddle without someone getting jealous or upset we all try to cuddle but that usually ends woth dd1 being hit or having her hair pulled.

We do plenty of activities get out the house etc. Does anyone have any survival tips? And please tell me its a phase?!

It's a phase! My two are 17 months and 4.3. At 14 months DS2 did a lot of hitting and hair grabbing. We repeated 'gentle hands' ad infinitum and moved him away from us every single time.

Yesterday DH and I were just saying that we couldn't remember the last time he hit us or his brother.

Things are still a bit dicey on the sharing front, but getting better. We play lots of games now that involve turn taking (blowing bubbles, magnetic fishing) which seems to be helping. DS2 still shouts a bit when it's his brother's turn, but there are fewer full on tantrums.

I also do 'special time' with DS1 during nap times at the weekend. He gets to choose the game or activity and I focus fully on him for as long as he wants. It seems to make him more patient with his brother.

My two are exactly the same age and I'm tearing my hair out too though my older one who is usually oh so gentle has become the violent one! Good to hear it's a phase and good tips on taking turns games, anything to get through half term week