Advice on squabbling children

[Lazyi]

Hi,

I have a two year old and a five year old. They play together nicely for a bit, then start to argue, either because the two year old is snatching, breaking something (eg the others Lego construction) or hurting the older one. Does anyone have ways of preventing this behaviour or how the older one can manage it? Just had a new baby, so advice needed!

I think you have to accept that is the way it is, and will be fore many years. There is a HUGE developmental difference between a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. The 5 yr old is still very, very young, and learning and developing all the time, they are not yet able to make adjustments for the fact the little one is just 2, and clearly not at the same stage of play as the older one is.
In all honestly, even when the older one gets to a stage where they can 'make allowances' for another child being that much younger than them, they won't always apply it to their own sibling.
A Playpen is useful at times - the older one can go in it to do their 'fiddly stuff' (construction or whatever) that the younger one would be likely to spoil.

Separate them. Give them a shelf / box each that the other one is not allowed near.
Get a sand timer so they can take turns.
It’s so hard!! Good luck.

Thank you both. Nice to have some suggestions, and some realistic expectations... I might as well know what the years ahead hold...

Yes, congratulations on your new baby also.

I find the hardest bit is not getting involved. I just try to separate them because as they get older its hard not to try and solve it, but sometimes they just want to squabble so I try to keep out of it. I usually just sing very loudly. Best of luck in the Summer ahead.