Parenting Forums

Posted: 20 January 2008 at 7:59pm | IP Logged

Argh, it's the ''close in age, Little Boys syndrome', I'm afraid.  My lads are so competitive they even fight to have a cuddle with mummy. Even in the mornings it's a competition to see who can get their coat and shoes on the quickest!

And you'd think they would be black and blue because of the sheer force they use to batter each other.  Honestly, you would not believe the bruises my two and four year old come out with.  I get sick and tired of having to referee their boxing matches so end up putting them in their bedrooms making sure it's as boring as possible.

I found it really tough going not so long ago because Tom's temper was frightening.  Can you recall my numerous posts pleading for help?  Well, take his temper and Max's frustration x 100 and you've got the toddler version of the Heavy Weight Boxing Championship.

My advice, having gone through it myself is hang in there.  When you feel like you've exhausted all possible routes, do what I did and still do, and that's separate the boys, explain what you're doing and why you're doing it.  If they're still in a cot, put them in it (but remove all fun things) and leave them to thrash about, believe they soon tire and get bored.  Meanwhile, put the kettle on, have a cigarette and turn the radio up...don't forget to breathe and count to ten.

Good luck, doll and it does get easier as they get older.