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4 year old hurting baby

6 replies

onceipopicantstop · 01/08/2014 16:51

I have two boys - a 4 year old and 5 month old. ds1 was very excited when ds2 arrived and seemed to cope with all the changes really well. He's always been a bit over enthusiastic with his hugs and kisses for ds2 but I just assumed that was normal 4 year old behaviour. He tends to hug him but too tightly and for too long, so that we have to ask him to stop. But recently there have been several episodes of him deliberately hurting ds2. He has bitten his fingers twice. He hit him over the head with a puzzle box. A few days ago he bit him on the stomach leaving teeth marks. Today I left them briefly to prepare a bottle. I heard ds2 crying and when I went back found ds1 slapping him on the stomach. ds2 was in his bouncy chair so I think it had started with ds1 wanting to rock the chair for him. But he was hitting ds2 quite hard and taking no notice of his crying. He jumped away from him as soon as he saw me. I don't know how to manage this. I'm really getting worried about it. ds2 says sorry but seems to think these incidents are funny. We respond with time out and/or removal of treats. After today's incident he had time out and is not allowed any computer time this evening. He doesn't seem particularly remorseful, but was briefly upset at losing his time on the computer.

I'm worried that it's stemming from jealousy. I'm a sahm and try and spend 1:1 time with ds2 when ds1 is asleep. On the weekends he spends a lot of time with his dad - he likes helping him in the garden etc.

Is this just a phase or are we not managing it well? I get very cross with him which I don't think is unreasonable but it must feel to him sometimes that everything revolves around ds2.

Any advice gratefully received!

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spritesoright · 01/08/2014 18:38

Our DD1 is nearly 3 and will also hit DD2 for no reason, almost for fun sometimes. I'm sure it stems somewhat from jealousy but it also seems to be just normal toddler behaviour.
I deal with it much the same as you described but find the most effective tactic is to gush over poor DD2 and take her out of the situation so that DD1 is alone.
I also just don't leave them in the same room alone (if I can avoid it) and have ground rules like no picking DD2 up, no fingers in mouths, etc.

juliec261 · 01/08/2014 19:33

My 3 yr old son does this to ds2 4 months ... Have no idea what to do ... He has also started weeing on the sofa and on carpet and in my bed .. I'm guessing all is for attention which my Hv says to ignore, but I now can't leave my baby in same room as him as he is too heavy handed .. Hoping it will pass. Very difficult x

onceipopicantstop · 01/08/2014 20:32

Thanks for your replies. Am relieved to hear we are not the only ones! I will try the idea of fussing over ds2. Fingers crossed it will be a short lived phase!

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milkjetmum · 01/08/2014 20:44

My dd (nearly 4) looks at me when she's done something she knows is too rough to dd2 (6 mo) so they are deliberately testing the limits!

I would say topraise heavily when he does play nicely with ds2, and set up opportunities for this to happen eg lets do a dance to make ds2 laugh - and praise like a crazy person. And quit while you're ahead - end the games on a high not when they've gone too far.

stressbucket1 · 01/08/2014 21:01

I agree with milkjet it sounds like he is behaving that way out of jealousy and its a way of getting attention. A lot of praise and positive attention might stop him craving negative attention.

juliec261 · 01/08/2014 22:05

My 3 yr old son does this to ds2 4 months ... Have no idea what to do ... He has also started weeing on the sofa and on carpet and in my bed .. I'm guessing all is for attention which my Hv says to ignore, but I now can't leave my baby in same room as him as he is too heavy handed .. Hoping it will pass. Very difficult x

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