Overprotective Brother?

[Hunni Bee]

A three-year-old will be moving to my room from the two-year-old room this week. Her four-year-old brother is already there.

She will be the fifth sibling I've had from this family. This will be the second older brother-younger sister set.

The oldest brother was pretty overbearing and wet-blanket-like, following the middle sister around, constantly butting into her games, giving unwanted hugs and complaining that she wouldn't play with him.

This younger brother is this x10. He tells the baby sister what to play, who and who not to play with/sit next to/talk to. He insist she play with him, and then they argue and tell on each other.

I'm trying to find a way to minimize this. I know she will gravitate to him because she'll be in a new environment. I've already talked to him about it, but I know he'll do it anyway - its a habit.

Anybody got any ideas?

On another note, I have my CDA observation in the morning, so wish me luck!! happyfacehappyface

[Blackcat31]

happyface Ooooo, good luck on the CDA observation!!!!! I am sure you will do just fine!!!! happyface


As far as the sib set, how do the parents feel about it? Would they be on board if you just outright said they can't play together at all or maybe even for just a while in the beginning so the younger one is able to form some friendships on their own?

I dunno as that is a hard one to deal with in a center as I know in my daycare, I just tell the older sib that they need to go play elsewhere and to leave the little one alone and vice versa if I see that kind of behavior happening.

I know a lot of parents try to tell the older ones to "watch" or "take care of your little sister/brother" but I really try hard to eliminate that by talking with the parents and letting them know how important it is for each child to have their individuality as well as form their own friendships as this kind of dependent behavior can be tough and sometimes limiting to one or the other sibling as far as development goes.

[Hunni Bee]

happyface Ooooo, good luck on the CDA observation!!!!! I am sure you will do just fine!!!! happyface


As far as the sib set, how do the parents feel about it? Would they be on board if you just outright said they can't play together at all or maybe even for just a while in the beginning so the younger one is able to form some friendships on their own?

I dunno as that is a hard one to deal with in a center as I know in my daycare, I just tell the older sib that they need to go play elsewhere and to leave the little one alone and vice versa if I see that kind of behavior happening.

I know a lot of parents try to tell the older ones to "watch" or "take care of your little sister/brother" but I really try hard to eliminate that by talking with the parents and letting them know how important it is for each child to have their individuality as well as form their own friendships as this kind of dependent behavior can be tough and sometimes limiting to one or the other sibling as far as development goes.

Thank you Blackcat!! It went awesomely!!! happyfacehappyface

And that would be my way to deal with it, I just didn't know if that was the right way. Or if there were other ways. Thanks as well.