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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
2 1/2 year old violence toward 5 mo old
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
2 1/2 year old violence toward 5 mo old
by Kristen, Nov 01, 2000 12:00AM
I have a good friend who has a 2 and a half year old girl and a 5 month old boy. The little girl finds some way to hurt the baby every day!! She can't be left alone with the baby and either doesn't understand the baby is fragile or doesn't care. She goes to preschool 3 days a week for 4 hours a day and interacts well with them. I've heard of siblings becoming jealous but she has taken it to the extreme! She bites him, she has scratched this eye (cornia) while hiding his pacifier when dad was driving. "Time-out" doesn't seem to work, she won't nap most days, even after her mother tries for an hour or more and her nighttime sleeping has become disrupted. She is just MEAN and the pediatrician says the little girl will outgrow it...but what can she do until then?? She is at her wits end with her daughter and really needs help. I would appreciate and information and/or suggestions. Thank You, Kristen
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Nov 01, 2000 12:00AM
, Nov 01, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Kristen,
It sometimes happens that very young children act out their resentment of a younger sibling by the kinds of aggressive behavior you describe. The priority, of course, has to be on protecting the younger child, and not permitting his sister to have access to him. It's up to the parents to be sure this occurs. There really is no excuse for any further episodes, if the parents are being vigilant.
In addition, to preventing physical contact, parents should definitely institute time out in the face of any aggressive episodes. If this is implemented correctly, it will be effective.
It sometimes happens that very young children act out their resentment of a younger sibling by the kinds of aggressive behavior you describe. The priority, of course, has to be on protecting the younger child, and not permitting his sister to have access to him. It's up to the parents to be sure this occurs. There really is no excuse for any further episodes, if the parents are being vigilant.
In addition, to preventing physical contact, parents should definitely institute time out in the face of any aggressive episodes. If this is implemented correctly, it will be effective.
