I have a 21 month old son and a 7 month old daughter. My son hardly acknowledges my daughter. He doesn't play with her or interact with her unless she has a toy that he wants and then he just takes it from her. If I try to get him to interact with her he resists. I'm not too worried about it because he's not mean to her, basically he ignores her. I just wondered if any othe moms had the same experience with siblings, espcecially ones so close in age.
Thanks for the responses! I feel so much better about their interaction now
Melissa,
When my third son was born, this is exactly how my middle son acted. They are 24 months (& 10 days) apart. He eventually got over it when his brother got older.
My girls are 24 months apart from each other and it wasn't until my youngest started walking that my oldest really interacted with her. And even still...I think it will get better when my youngest starts talking more. My oldest to this day prefers to be around older children and children that can keep up with her and hold conversations. I'm sure that your son probably doesn't see any redeeming value with playing his sister yet, give it time.
My children are 21 months apart and I experienced exactly what you are talking about. My son didn't pay any attention to his little sister for a very long time. Basically, until she was old enough to make herself known, he could have cared less if she was there or not. They are now 3 and 1 1/2 and play together all day every day! They definitely fight too, but most of the time they enjoy each other! Good luck and God Bless!
Melissa, sounds normal! My kids are 17 months apart, and they are now 3 and 1/2 and just over 2. In the past, lucas (he's the older kid) would tell me daily that he didn't like his sister. At the time, I chose to ignore it. He didn't want to play with her, either. Now, they play together ALL the time. Of course, Lucas still tries to get Kate to do the things that might get them into trouble! I guess my advice would be to not push it, and they'll probably become the closest of "partners in crime'!
Hi Melissa,
I run a daycare out of my house. I have my 28 month old, and two other children who just turned 3. They just recently (within the past 3 months) started interacting together. It's perfectly normal and part of regular child development to first play "side by side" and not interact with each other. Of course they still take things away from one another :)!!
I don't see that this is anything really weird or to be so concerned about. He's only not even 2 years. He doesn't 'get' it; the fact that he's supposed to have some genetic attachment to the baby. Let him grow, get older, etc. He'll understand that she's a part of the family and with your help to direct him etc, he can develop a rapport with her. But it's early yet to expect much more than you're seeing.
But just to play devil's advocate, my oldest son is a little over 2 years older than my middle son and when the middle son was born, the oldest came to hospital to visit and sure as heck did not look real enthusiastic. More like "So? What's so special about him?" And truthfully through the years he's never been the biggest fan or 'get along with' brother. Has never had the highest opinion of the middle son. They'll get along, and there is cordiality, but close is, at this point in time, not a reality. Maybe later in life.
I would say this is very normal for these ages. When you notice her watching him be sure to mention occasionally how his sister looks up to him and watches him and how much she loves him. It will take some time (and some fighting along the way) but if you nurture their relationship when they are small everything will turn out fine.
my middle two are a tear and four days apart both girls my older one wanted to due everthing for her younger sister she was always trying to give her toys sometime toy that were just to old for her .as far as your son taking toy from her what do you due when he dose that do you take the toy back do you let him keep the toy do you put him in time out
ABSOLUTELY! I have a 2 1/2 and 4 yr. old. Our 4 yr. old ignored his brother and went about his life until about a year ago. We (and our friends) used to laugh about the fact that he really just would not acknowledge the presence of his brother. We just ignored it and didn't make a big deal about it or say anthying. I swore they would never get along though because they are SO different, but today they run around and play, and fight. I am now hopeful that later in life they might actually be buddies :) Good luck!
I think 21 months is a little young to really want to interact with other children whether it be a sibling or a playmate. My daughter is 30 months and really just started trying to play with other children a couple of months ago. The fact that your daughter is only 7 months makes it more difficult because she isn't old enough to engage him with play. I think it is normal and he will probably notice her more when they are both a little older.
