Toddler aggression since new sibling

[meepmoop]

Hello,

DS 2 years has started to be very angry and aggressive over the past few days with throwing everything and punching me, DH and objects.

DD is 3 weeks and he's been absolutely fine until now. I've also had a sickness bug which has affected how much I've interacted with him but DH has stayed home and played with him continuously.

He's interested in DD will bring her blankets, include her in games ie will bring her toy food when he's dishing it out. Has taken an interest in nappy changes and is gentle with her.

I'm not sure how to handle it as I'm having to tell him not to throw, throw a ball if you want to. Don't hit, removing him or myself from the situation but it feels so negative but he's doing it constantly.

Any ideas on how to get him to stop bring so angry?

Thank you

I had a trouble maker, not aggression but definitely not the usual. It took until my little one was about two months until it subsided fully. As hard as it is, cuddles and extra time for them.

I tried doing less negatives and more suggestions so instead of "stop screaming" it was, let's use our inside voice and remember to use your words. You're a big girl and know all your words but baby hasn't learnt yet. And then just explaining how I did all these things for her when she was a baby because baby hasn't learnt, is too small/ young to do it by themselves. I think it helped her understand I wasn't favouring the newborn, but that the baby still needed me to do things for it and she was a big girl and can do things on her own.

Its a huge milestone for them to accept something is now taking up their time with mummy and daddy and routines have changed.

Good luck!

I'm gonna watch this as I'm sure I'll need it soon too 😊

I second the advice to be as positive as possible - comment when they're doing the right thing and emphasise what you do want them to do when they're being challenging. Also verbalise their emotions to them - 'I can see you feel really cross with ....' and offer lots of cuddles.

When you can hand baby over, spend some time reading, baking, or going to a play centre with your toddler to reinforce the bond with him.