Tweet
So, I spent some time on some of your sites, and picked a couple things I could do to encourage less running, wrestling, and fighting.
The first thing I did was what do what Nanny has-I seperated an area for my youngest children (14 mo twins). They now have all the stuff fun for them-cars, smaller blocks, a couple pounding toys, big fat flashlights, shoes, odd shaped containers, a couple xylophones, a soft area to cuddle, some cardboard books, a few stuffed animals. I have everything in 3 big baskets (like you find in the grocery store).
I also have a porta crib in the area for when one hurts the other. I know TECHNICALLY they shouldn't have time-outs, but I need a place to seperate them for a few minutes if I need to leave the room, and the hair-pulling starts. If I am available, I will re-direct. If I am doing something with the biggers kids or trying to make lunch, I will put one in the crib for a few minutes while I finish.
The other side of the room will be used by the 20 mo (who is otherwise terrorized by the twins), the 3 yo, and the 4 yo when he's here (afternoons and all day Friday). I am working on clean-as-you-go on that side.
I can see the whole room from any part, so I can sit on the floor with the tots and keep an eye on the bigs, or do an activity with the bigs, and keep an eye on the twins.
The last benefit is that my shih tzu, Tobi, can now be loose with us. He is sweet, but if left with the twins, they will pull his hair or ears, and he will defend himself. The older children are all gentle with him. Tobi lives to follow me around the house, so he is always nearby. Having him kept outside all day or upstairs, which made him miserable.
I've also been able to eliminate a few gates, which make negotiating the area much easier for us grown ups...
I will let you all know how it goes and maybe post some pics. Thanks for listening!
The first thing I did was what do what Nanny has-I seperated an area for my youngest children (14 mo twins). They now have all the stuff fun for them-cars, smaller blocks, a couple pounding toys, big fat flashlights, shoes, odd shaped containers, a couple xylophones, a soft area to cuddle, some cardboard books, a few stuffed animals. I have everything in 3 big baskets (like you find in the grocery store).
I also have a porta crib in the area for when one hurts the other. I know TECHNICALLY they shouldn't have time-outs, but I need a place to seperate them for a few minutes if I need to leave the room, and the hair-pulling starts. If I am available, I will re-direct. If I am doing something with the biggers kids or trying to make lunch, I will put one in the crib for a few minutes while I finish.
The other side of the room will be used by the 20 mo (who is otherwise terrorized by the twins), the 3 yo, and the 4 yo when he's here (afternoons and all day Friday). I am working on clean-as-you-go on that side.
I can see the whole room from any part, so I can sit on the floor with the tots and keep an eye on the bigs, or do an activity with the bigs, and keep an eye on the twins.
The last benefit is that my shih tzu, Tobi, can now be loose with us. He is sweet, but if left with the twins, they will pull his hair or ears, and he will defend himself. The older children are all gentle with him. Tobi lives to follow me around the house, so he is always nearby. Having him kept outside all day or upstairs, which made him miserable.
I've also been able to eliminate a few gates, which make negotiating the area much easier for us grown ups...
I will let you all know how it goes and maybe post some pics. Thanks for listening!
Comment