HELP NEEDED toddler smacking baby

[jollybobs89]

Hello so DD is 2.5 years old my DS is 4 months.

She is constantly smacking him! She goes from either kissing and cuddling him to whacking him! Kicking him pushing him just not sure best way tackling it nothing seems to deter her from doing it!

We've tried naughty step/time out, tried talking to her about how it's wrong, tried raising my voice shouting when she does it! She knows it's wrong as sometimes if he's in his chair and I have my back turned shell say mummy I've just smacked him!

It's not like she's doing it for my attention as the other day had them both on the bed getting them ready for bed and I was dressing her and she kicked him! She laughs if I shout. It's like she gets that excited she smacks him if that makes sense?!

Any tips advice appreciated or anyone has been there and it's just a phase please lemme know xxx thanks

I have a 2 5year old DS and a 3month old DD. My DS is just the same unfortunately.

I am trying to really praise good behaviour to the baby and try not to lose my shit when he does manage to hit her.

He does seem to respond the positive praise and has been slightly better lately but still have to watch him like a hawk and never leave the baby alone with him. It's hard!

You need to keep them separate with the baby safely out of her reach.

@Tonic54 yeah I've been doing that and it seems to work slightly whenever she kisses and cuddles him always praising etc got to have eyes in the back of your head haven't you!!

@Grrretel it's not always doable especially now he's like 4 months and likes sitting in his bouncer or on his play gym.

It is doable, I used to put the baby in a play pen if I had to leave the room. Otherwise you have to supervise and not give the toddler an opportunity to hurt the baby.

I don't leave them in a room together. Most of the times I manage to intervene and prevent so looking for ways to try get her to stop. Keeping them separate constantly isn't a long term option.

I could've written this!

My eldest Daughter has just turned 3, and I have a 4 month old. 3 year old loves kicking her and nothing stops her from doing it. My Daughter definitely does it out of jealousy and to get attention.

Tried everything, nothing works. Looking forward to seeing what people advise.

@WeEE I'm glad to know it's not just my like monkey!!

Poor babies :( being hit and smacked and kicked at months old.

I had the opposite, my 2.5 year old would punch his 5 year old sister, and any punishment would result in him sobbing so badly that I'd end up comforting him.

I bought Dr Phelans book "1,2,3 Magic" which id seen recommended on here, and the strategies worked.

My kids are 16 and 18 now and that book was a lifesaver. The kids were mainly well behaved by every now and then when it felt like I was losing control of the asylum I'd get the book out again and order would be restored 😁