What are some practical ways to encourage older siblings to share & help out wit

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   philliposted 9 years ago

   What are some practical ways to encourage older siblings to share & help out with younger siblings?
   
   I have a toddler and a 7 month old baby. If your family has had a similar makeup, what practical things did you do to encourage sharing and love from the older sibling (to avoid jealousy of the new baby)? The baby is now crawling and consequently touching the 3 year old's toys, etc. Some days he is generous, but mostly he tries to run around and keep baby girl from his stuff. We are hearing "mine!" a lot lately from the pre-schooler.

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   freecampingaussieposted 9 years ago

   I had my 2nd baby when my eldest was 3 &1/2 so I used to say Your my big helper ,"Can you pass me.... Nappy ...Dummy.. When we get baby to sleep you and me will have some big girls time together"..... "Your a big girl why not let baby play with that but keep your doll away for your self " " Isn't the baby noisy .. help me get him/her asleep the we will read a story/play a game .... We had no problems with jealousy because we made the eldest feel helpful and loved...We had a 3 rd daughter 5 years later ! They are now 30,27.22 and the eldest has a Daughter + Son

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      philliposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have been trying this. At first, it seems to help. However, he usually get tired of being a helper and wants to be the "helpee" (if that is a word...lol). We are still trying to find a happy medium. Thanks for your encouraging response.

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   Kat Shinstineposted 9 years ago

   Try making a chart with stickers as a reward for sharing and helping with the baby ,when 10 stickers are rewarded (1 each day) a special treat such as picking out a video (free in the children's section at most video stores) having a picnic on the living room floor with her favorite foods or choosing to play with playdough, washable markers ect. which were kept in a tote she decorated. This worked wonders with my daughter we had quality time together and she was eager to help and share.

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   1. 80

      philliposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I had mentioned an achivement chart to my husband, but it was geared more to his pre-school academics. This is a wonderful idea for his behavior and helpfulness. Thanks.

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