Coping with the squabbling!

[RubySlippers77]

Just that really. My boy twins are 2.5 and cannot be left alone, otherwise it's scratching, biting, hitting... if I supervise then I can at least catch them (hopefully) before they start, but it feels like I can't turn my back for 5 minutes!

I've spoken to my HV and our conclusion was that they're such different personalities that they wouldn't be together out of choice, hence they get on each other's nerves - when they get older they should grow out of the hitting etc but till then every day is a challenge and I can't relax around them. It's awful but sometimes I wish I didn't have two, then at least there'd be no squabbling

DS1 is starting to wake up really early too (6am or before), which wakes up DS2, who wakes me up - so we are all cross, tired and grumpy. I've tried putting him back to bed with some milk but he just bounces around and shouts.

Any ideas gratefully received! They go to preschool two mornings a week which helps, but we can't afford more...

It’s shit. I remember it well. I couldn’t leave mine for 5 seconds, let alone 5 minutes. Ages 1-2.5 were much harder than newborn to 1. From 3 it started to get better, they’d play nicer together. Now they are 7 they have their moments but on the whole they play together great and are best friends. It’s the dts and older ds that fight/argue now 😫

As for ideas I have none, sorry. Just know it will get easier.

Could they have their own room each so the early riser doesn't disturb the other so much?

Could they be in separate classes or groups at pre school to get them some alone time?

Could you and their dad do separate things with them sometimes to give them their own 1 on 1 time with you?

Have you looked at the TAMBA guidance on being in the same/different classes at school in preparation?

Thanks Fluff, I guess there is light at the end of the tunnel!! My HV's advice was to keep distracting them - which works fine sometimes but not so great when you have to leave them alone for more than 30 seconds...

We only have a 2 bed house Clare and all the nurseries/ preschools near us are quite small, one group each. Oddly enough DS2 (by far the louder twin at home) is very shy in social situations and clings to DS1, who isn't bothered by these things at all! I'd like to do one on one time more often but DP often works late so it's just me none of these things help matters, I know, but I do try my best to keep them occupied - it just doesn't always work!

Maybe give twinline a call for advice as my suggestions all come from TAMBAs guidance, they might have more.