Advice on Sibling Fighting

G.,

I have experienced a Hyperactive child and one that is not although the ages were closer in age to each other. I recommend that you talk to your pediatrician to confirm the hyperactive disorder first. If he is indeed your dr. will be able to recommend what steps you need to take. Medication is often given to hyperactive children ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), (there is a difference between that and ADD. I fought a long time from putting my daughter on any medication because I seen my brother on retalin for all his life, but they put her on it and it made the BIGGEST difference. Night and Day. My daughter was so hyper she could not sit still to watch t.v. for 1 minute at that age. She would be standing up and then losing her attention and focus on the cartoon or whatever. I could not get her to sit and listen to any stories. Continuously running and could not stop. This was just some of the things that were signs.

It somewhat seems like he is a little bit defiant (another symptom of ADHD). Maybe he is doing this for attention because he wants his sisters attention and is upset she in not giving him her full attention when friends come over.

Just talk to your pedatrician and he can make the right diagnosis.

Good Luck,
Kathy

I understand your problem.I have a 13 yr old girl and twin 4 yer old boys and my daughter also seems to forget that her brothers are only 4.Your son seems bored and possibly needs someone his own age to play around. I think preschool would be a great opportunity for him to meet and play with kids his own age. Also, I am learning some children just don't like playing alone while others are content. He seems to be one of the kids who needs friends.

Wow, G.. I feel like I could have written that! I'm also a SAHM of a 13 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. The only (and I mean ONLY) differences are that he has not hit her friends and a he goes to a home day care a couple of days a week. Other wise, he can't play alone, they do not get along and he his constantly moving and talking. I do suggest a preschool or a home daycare for a few days a week. That will give you a break and him a way to relate to other adults and kids without being aggressive. I've had the conversation with my daughter many times that he is only three and she should know enough to realize that and that she needs to be the one to create a better relationship. You could have her do a special activity with him that only they can do together and only if he is good. At his babysitters, smiley faces on the board are a huge thrill for the kids and they will do all kinds of nice things for each other just to get one. Also, my daughter has taken a babysitting class at the hospital in Ocoee and we have let her babysit upon occasion. They tend to get along better when we are not around and Jamie is in charge. I hope some of this helps. I'm on learning curve too since rambunctious little boys are new to me! Good luck!

I think it's a good idea to put him in preschool at least part time. You said when you mention it, he says no, but how does he know what it is? Visit a few schools with him and show him all of the toys and crafts and other kids he can play with! There is a book called Siblings Without Rivalry you can check out, too

Well for now he's going to want to mess with his sister and her friends when they are over. The best way around that is to do something with him or have a friend of his over at the same time, to distract him.
Also, get involved in the local MOMS Club. You can google it and find the one that is in your area. It's a group of stay at home mom's with kids your children's ages. They have playgroups, park days, mom's nights out and all sorts of fun stuff.
Hang in there I have the same thing. My daughter is almost 13 and my youngest son is almost 5.
Good luck