Annoying habits

[Pitchounette]

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You tell the three year old (who imo is old enough to understand) that his behaviour is not acceptable for a big boy. You explain that his brother is just a baby and doesn't understand this, but when his brother is a big grown up 3 year old you won't allow him to do this either.

Worked with my two anyway (now 2 and 4 with 21 months between them, who were at one stage 1 and a bit and 3 yrs old). DD accepted the explanation that her younger ds was just a baby and thus the rules were different

Agree with handlemecarefully. All kids are different though, so you're 3 yr old may not agree that it is a good enough explanation. He may not want to be the big grown up brother if that means not being allowed to do things his little brother is allowed to do. It's a tough one!

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I don't think there is an easy answer to this one. my dd aged 5.5 will occasionally copy her younger brother's behaviour and she is nearly 3 years older than him!

Your dss are pretty close in age so I think it's inevitable that this will happen - and 3 is still very young imo.

I can only suggest that you give ds1 lots of attention when ds has his nap, or if you and your dp/dh can give you more 1:1 time with each child.

It's pretty normal imo, wanting your attention, not wanting to be 'forced' to 'grow up' and sibling rivalry all mixed together.

I don't really have other suggestions/ideas - but I do think it's a phase that will come and go over the years!

sorry - 3rd line. meant to say when ds2 has his nap and also omit hte bit 'you more'.

hope that makes sense

All 3 of mine do this, youngest is 2 (and is really quite naughty), middle DS is 3 and eldest DD 4. Like yours, they mostly copy the 2yo's 'babyish' behaviour when they're waiting for something - ie. dinner.

I usually get them to do drawing/playdoh/craft etc around the kitchen table whilst I'm cooking. When we're almost ready to eat they all have to tidy something up and the 4yo then gets to lay the table - but she likes being grown-up. My 3yo son switches between being a baby and being a big boy so he helps depending on his mood!

As a tactic, it's not much use with other occasions, like when you're getting ready to go out, but it's a start. The 2yo is a lot less clingy these days anyway so it only happens now when she's really tired.

Good luck!

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My ds1 (nearly 3 yo) longs to be a baby at times and copies the noises my dd (6 mths) makes. Not as bad as your situation but nevertheless annoying.

I think he likes the attention i give to the baby and wants a piece of it!

What i've found helps is i respond really quickly as he's starting to do it by making a really OTT 'babyish' fuss of him...'Ahhhh, are you tired little baby? I think you might need a nap' 'Oh...i forgot you can't talk so poor mummy won't know what you are saying...never mind' etc. He sometimes enjoys playing along for a while, but soon tires of it and wants to be a big boy again.

You have to put on your most patronising voice which helps get rid of some of that inner frustration at the same time!!

They're little monkies, aren't they?

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With my ds (who is now nearly 24! but is 18months older than dd1)I used the 'big boy' angle but I also allowed him to do things with me (baking cakes, making trifle etc) which dd1 wasn't allowed to do because she was too little. It did mean he was much happier being the big boy although he still reverted at times!

Hope that helps

Let us know how you get on.

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