Dd1 hit dd2 (7months) this morning, how should i have handled the situation?

[Marne]

She has never hurt her before so im a bit shocked, She picked up a toy train and chucked it at dd2's head leaving a bruise on her head, i have always trusted dd1 (2.8) with dd2 and often leave them in the same room when i get on with house work etc so i am realy upset that she has hurt her little sister.

Anyway as soon as she done it i shouted at her and told her it was wrong to hurt dd2 and i sat her on the stairs until she was ready to say sory (which took 2 minutes) and then i took the toy out of her toy box and took it away from her. I dont know if i was a bit harsh on her and im not sure if she understands what she has done.

Do you think i was harsh or not harsh enough?

sounds like you handled it just fine to me marne; it's awful isn't it - my 2 ds's are at this stage and we have to be pretty vigilant - it does upset me. The only thing I would add is to think about how to help your dd1 react in a more acceptable way when her little sister frustrates her, e.g. if dd2 wants a toy that dd1 is playing with, get dd1 to give her another one instead. Also helping her learn to start taking turns / sharing.

Part jealousy and some frustration I think. Having to share mum is hard and dd1 is reacting quite normally. You did exactly the right thing, making aware that it wasn't a kind thing to do. bookend