Hi, I have a 3.5 year old and 19 month old. They have had the occasional small scuffle, since the youngest was walking at 14 months, but the last four days, they are CONSTANTLY scrapping when they're at home. And doing dangerous things, like trying to push each other off of furniture / pushing doors where they could trap their fingers in the hinges!
The youngest is just entering his terrible two's, which I don't think helps.
They are fed lots, and the youngest has a nap, so they shouldn't be tired or hungry.
Have tried talking to the eldest about why it's happening (because "Mark" is "getting in the way more than usual"), then making sure he has time to play unencumbered some of the time, but explaining that it's not a reason to be unkind / dangerous.
I do explain not to hurt each other / use my stern voice / use "natural consequences" / try and distract them in the usual ways, which normally work well.
I take them out twice a day usually. Today they did 1.5 hours at stay and play in morning, then 1.5 hours at the park after lunch / nap. They play nicely, or at least leave each other alone when out of the house.
Each have separately had time outs, and once today they were both in time outs, as they literally just needed to be away from each other, so as not to cause injury.
I make sure the eldest has some one on one quality time, when the toddler is asleep.
Eldest is on summer hols, but as he usually only goes in 3.5 days as week, we're not even into "out of routine" territory yet!
They usually play nicely together, and for the most part are quite well behaved (as much as small children and toddlers can be).
What can I do?? I don't expect them to be perfect, but it's just relentless and I'm worried they're going to get really hurt. I can't be out with them 24/7 for six weeks!