Siblings fighting

[screamer1]

Please help! 2 year old and 4 year old are constantly fighting. How do I deal with this? Am totally at wits end with it.

Every afternoon that we get back from nursery (they're there 3 days and I pick them up at 3) is horrific. Both of them alternating screaming. It's inevitably over a toy, or that the youngest wants me to go upstairs to do one thing with her and the eldest wants me to do something else.

I try to stay calm and help them resolve it together, but the youngest is feisty and the eldest emotional. I'm exhausted from it.

I don't have experience but just an idea. If they ever fight over a toy, take it away from both of them (they'll have to figure out how to share next time if they want to be able to have it at all). If they are fighting over you, don't play with either of them but tell them if they can think of something for both of them to do with you together you'll be happy to do that. The younger one probably wouldn't be able to contribute to the discussion but the older one should be able to think of something. Eg do colouring all together or have a tea party in the backyard. Maybe all he will think of is to allow his younger sibling to join him in what he wanted to do. But that should be good enough, the younger one might be pleased to be invited. If they just scream instead of having a fruitful discussion remove yourself somewhere they can't get to and enjoy the break (let your partner watch them).

Thanks @TigerQuoll . I'm at a bit of a loss. I think they're both tired and vying for attention. Another hellish afternoon here, I tried to give them activities of doing glitter Xmas cards which I thought they'd love, but again descended very quickly into chaos. It's completely exhausting and I'm trying to have fun with them but it just ends in tears (literally).

Santa is watching should work for a few weeks......

I'm reading this at the moment and it makes a lot of sense www.amazon.co.uk/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/1853406309

Thanks both, I have got that actually @Nightlights. I should revisit.

Also will use Santa bribery. 😬

Not new, actually I feel you I also encounter this kind of situation.