Help me work out logistics of 3 children

[MaverickSnoopy]

I have 3 children - 7yo, 2.5yo and 11wo.

Oldest 2 get on well about 60-70% of the time. However the rest of the time the 2.5yo targets 7yo with hitting, biting and/or throwing her own toys around the house. This mostly, but not always, coincides with me breastfeeding (which is slow as I was mixed feeding and now trying to exclusively bf so having to spend a lot of time sitting feeding).

7yo responds by cowering, not moving & sometimes smirking (I think she wants 2.5yo in trouble). Sometimes when out of the room I come in to see 7yo provoking 2.5yo or just shouting that she's been hit when actually nothing has happened.

I have strategies for when I'm mobile but when I'm sat feeding baby (who is currently very unwell and not eating enough as it is) it's hard to know how to respond. This is what I need help with...

Mostly if being attacked I tell 7yo to walk away and go into another room, whilst also being clear that I know it's unfair and 2yo will be reprimanded. How can I do that immediately when sat feeding and she won't come near me? Anything delayed feels pointless at her age. I am increasingly going down the road of being cross to show my upset because I don't know what else to do!!

Both 2.5yo and 7yo get 1:1 time but I'm sensing this might be an attention seeking thing.

Ideas most welcome!

Could you have a special toy that the 2.5 is only allowed to play with when you're feeding, and has to do it sitting on the floor near you. Can be a special bonding time for you and also keep them away from 7 who can do their own thing without interference from 2.5.

Thanks that's a really good idea. I will give it a go. Anything is worth a try.

Goodness knows what PP said! I missed out on that.

I have very robust consequences for the rest of the time, which includes time out etc. All works really well and apologies are good and genuine and she has a good understanding that it's wrong....but as soon as I'm feeding they go feral, expecially the toddler.

One on the TV and one on the phone? Divide and conquer.
The older one can be the big girl and bring you drinks.
And maybe have something herself too - favourite special juice like lychee...

depends how strict you are about these.

Plan a simple activity for after a feed. Cancelled if you don't get peace +quiet when you need it.
Bf time was film time in my house!
How sensible is your oldest? At 8 dd said she wanted to learn to make me a cuppa for when I was bf her db! Made her feel older /important! Sicker book for the youngest. Amazing how many things you learn to do one handed bf or carrying a baby!!