Comments on: Mine! No mine!

By: ann

ann — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:38:20 +0000

I don’t know their age, but assuming they are young, they probably aren’t ready yet for sharing. I always think it’s silly how parents tell their two year old over and over to share, he isn’t ready for it, you know. If they are older, well, toys are a priveledge. I’d take ‘em away. I don’t know if there is such thing as kids that don’t fight.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:54:46 +0000

Sorry I have no real advice for you here. I have two ages 7 and 9 and the fighting doesn't become any less as they get older. I can't wait until teenagehood. lol Good luck! Kim's last blog post..Playing with the Teacher

By: Kathleen Marie

Kathleen Marie — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:48:42 +0000

Time outs worked well for me. I set a timer and they couldn’t move from there spot. I also believed in a good swat on the rear from time to time if it came to that.

I also discussed there behavior with them when we were all calm.

I am not sure but at one point with my two middle children (I have 4) I actually put them in a room and told them they could not come out until they resolved there problems. They were about 9 and 10 at the time. I did this right before supper time as I knew they’d be hungry.

I also made sure they each got enough private/special time with me and my hubby.

By: Candace (Mama Mia)

Candace (Mama Mia) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:04:52 +0000

If my kids are fighting over a toy I tell them that they each get it for 2 minutes (they’re young so they have a short attention span) and then they trade. After going back and forth a few times one will get tired of it.
I also tell them daily that they are each other’s best friends. It sounds corny, but I figure if I tell them enough and they hear it enough one day it will really sink in and be true.

By: Jeana

Jeana — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:19:50 +0000

Hi, Summer! I hope this isn’t too discouraging to say, but there is no quick fix. Young children don’t know how to resolve conflicts peacefully. It takes a lot of time, patience and repetition for them to learn it. I know it’s frustrating, but ignoring it will only make it worse.

The most effective way to teach them about resolving conflict is during a time of non-conflict. Read and discuss books about character traits–kindness, patience, etc (I can recommend some if you like.)

Do not allow them to treat each other with disrespect. When they start to argue, step in and help them resolve the conflict. Over time, they will learn to resolve it on their own. You will get tired of having to intervene, but your efforts will have a huge pay off later. If it gets to be too much for you, then separate them for a while.

(My this sounds preachy. Forgive me?)

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:44:45 +0000

My favorite is to make them sit nose to nose for 2 minutes. It is so funny they usually end up laughing and they love each other again or else they are mad because one says the other has stinky breath! Hope you get some good advice.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:45:02 +0000

I think Jeana’s stance on sharing makes a lot of sense… Let me see if I can find a link before I fall asleep…

http://laughter4daystocome.blogspot.com/2007/09/sharing-about-sharing.html

And please visit me today and help if you can!!

Thanks,
Amy (not affiliated with Jeana, just a fan!)