Siblings!

Hi F., my little one ( only one, so far) has very challenging temperament- I can't imagine three including two enthusiastic boys. Have You tried explaining what may happen If the baby accidentaly drops? It may hurt her delicate scull etc. And also, how about little prize every time your boys wake you up first, than go to the crib. I guess, you will have to repeat messages like "Only adults can hold the baby" often but you will be succesfull eventually. Good luck, M..

My kids are about the same age. I out a gate they can't open at the baby's door, but now they are starting to figure it out. You could also get a cheap screen door(about $20) and put it up with a hook latch they can't reach so you can still hear the baby at night.
It is hard with 3 kids. I found a freind and I take turns having all of the kids for a few hours a week. That helps alot and gives me some sanity time. The other thing is. My oldest kids now help me sort thier clothes and after I fold them, they put them in thier drawers.They aren't perfect, but they do it.
The last thing I found is... stick to your guns. Sometimes you have to be a mean mommy. When my oldest 4.5, did something that endangered her sister, I took her favorite toy away. The next time she did it, after a previous warning, it got thrown out. It sounds horrible and mean, but she never did it again.With picking up the baby, that's big dangerous business.
Also, I run my own business and I just have to do it after they are in bed. Damn kids. :) Though they do watch a lot of movies if I absolutely have to get something done.
Oh, and this summer i am using my neighborhood girls who are 10 and 11.
They are too young to babysit, but for mother's helper's, at $2 an hour, they play with the kids while I am home, and entertain them while i am home. It's summer life saver...
I figure it's just something else they can tell thier therapist :)

Dear F.,

I am a mom that have very well behaved kids and even they get into things. I do believe in decipline. If they pull all the clothes out, make them put them all back. One thing I did was get a baby cam. My friend sells them and I got one from him. I love it. I have it hooked to the tv in my room and the cam is usually in the living room. It has sound and picture. I love it so much that I am buying another one from him for the kitchen. It helps me stop a mess before it gets to far out of control. Any mom know it only takes a minute for kids to get into trouble. I would suggest you get one for your daughters room and get a tv for in your room. Good Luck.
B.

Hi F.,
I do agree with a previous post about discipline. It is important to start it at a young age so it can carry through (as much as possible!) to the teen years. However, I thik that with the situations you described, and with the age of your kids, the "Magic 1-2-3" could work. Whatever you try, the important thing is that the kids know that you are MOM and they have to listen when you say "no." We are getting into this now with my 19 month old who has gotten to the "terrible twos" sooner than I would have liked! Sometimes I feel like a very mean mommy, but, I try to keep remembering that this will help her in the future. Good luck- they sure can be trying!
E.

This may sound bad but I lock my youngest child's door so no one can get in when I am busy doing what ever. That way if I am showering or doing the laundry I know for a fact no other little sneak is in there reaking havoc.

First off, I think it is great that the 4 and 5 year old want to help with their sister. That shows you have some caring children.

Second, I do think that you need to establish some boundaries and rules. Children are a gift, not sinful creatures to be disciplined. However, they do need guidelines and structure. Some children need more than others. A good combination of setting up rules and consequences and sticking to it and positive reinforcement will help you. Reward them for following the rules. If you only focus on the bad behavior, they will see that as the way to get your attention.

I think it might help to establish some routines and give them some "chores." For instance, I have a 3 1/2 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. My son needs more structure and can obviously do more than my daughter. We were struggling with some tantrums and not listening - so we did a list of rules, with pictures that he has to follow. My daughter has to follow them too (not all as she is too young for some). I made some of the rules tasks that my son could do and give him a sense of accomplishment - and my daughter does them too. For example, they are to put their plates in the kitchen once they are finished with dinner. They put their dirty clothes in the hamper in their rooms.

This makes the rules not all bad and scary.

I hope this helps.