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2 year old mean to sister

6 replies

Everestisthebest · 02/11/2024 22:32

My 2.5 year has recently taken to pushing her older sister 4.5 quite often. She will do it when shes annoyed about something. I'm looking for ways to deal with this in an age appropriate way. I always intervene and tell her to stop but should I be taking toys away from her as consequence or time out?
They don't really play together much at all And when they do they just fight

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
HS1990 · 03/11/2024 07:47

My DS2 was often annoying DD4.5 too. Pinching, pulling hair, pushing, sometimes biting.

She had anger issues towards him too ever since he was born.

Things that have helped their bond (and it has improved a heck of a lot):

Getting DD to do things for DS like feeding him, putting on shoes, brushing hair, sharing treats....anything to promote sisterly love. She understands more at this age, its not because I'm showing favouritism.

I have taught my Ds2 to share e.g. I give him 2 cupcakes and say give one to your sister please. Then lots of praise once he has done it.

When we tidy up, I get them both involved even if Ds2 can only carry a spoon.

I take my DS hands and gently show him what physical contact is acceptable. Stroking her hand is a good start and then you can take it from there.

I encourage games like e.g. if you're happy and you know it give each other a hug. I might take a teddy and make it pretend to talk and sing to them, bop on the nose. Sometimes they take turns signing lines to a song or DD will leave words out and DS will fill it in. Or i might pretend to be a giant and stomp around the room while they run and hide away together.

Blanket games are great, e.g. they lie down on the carpet next to each other and I throw the blanket up and gently cover their face, rinse repeat. Yesterday i sat with both in my lap facing each other and a blanket wrapped around, little tickles and nose bops and they were in stitches.

On YouTube we watch Dannygo and they dance around together. They really love numbers so the Additions/subtraction one is also another they like to shout out answers too together.

Also walking together for brief amounts of time outside holding hands.

For times when they need separating, I would use a cot if you have one for mini timeouts (or any spot you feel works). Otherwise I just get DD busy in the kitchen and give my DS a puzzle to do. This works best for my kids to get their focus elsewhere.

It takes patience ultimately and can feel slow at times. But it does get better.

Good luck x

Everestisthebest · 04/11/2024 22:07

@HS1990 wow thanks so much, they are great suggestions will give them a go! I never expected my youngest to be so aggressive towards her sister!

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MarxistMags · 06/05/2025 12:33

What great suggestions. Not that I need them, but just so impressed reading about them
Simple and effective. Great mothering.
You must work in childcare.

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EveryLidlHelper · 06/05/2025 12:37

Read Calm Parents Happy siblings, great book.

Pleeeease do not dish out illogical punishments, they don’t work. Discipline works, punishments don’t. Kids need time in when they are acting up, not time out - these behaviors are communication, usually asking for connection.

flyinghen · 06/05/2025 12:43

I don’t know if this is right or wrong, we tried saying no, kind hands, we tried time outs etc. 2 year old was being aggressive to 5 year old and us, nothing was helping. The only thing that’s worked for us is ignoring. I explained to the 5 year old that the 2 year old wanted attention and when we gave them the reaction they wanted they kept doing it. So we all tried to ignore any aggression. It’s improved so much honestly, not perfect by any means but she thought it was funny when we reacted and that’s been taken away. If she starts being aggressive when we don’t acknowledge it she stops pretty quick. Touch wood!!

Edit to add: my 2yo is literally just turned too so still little and not hugely verbal. For an older 2yo maybe the timeouts would work? I know they grow a lot between 2-3

HS1990 · 06/05/2025 16:37

Everestisthebest · 04/11/2024 22:07

@HS1990 wow thanks so much, they are great suggestions will give them a go! I never expected my youngest to be so aggressive towards her sister!

Nope im an accountant but keen eye for detail is not just something i use to make my cv look good lol!

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