AMosley

Close Parenting Preschoolers (3-5)

I have 2 girls that seem to fight constantly. They are night and day. My 4 year old is content to play by herself but my 6 year old has to have attention all the time. I interviene when I feel it has escalated too far, but mostly just let them work it out. It is happening more and more. HELP!!!

Treatments

1-2-3 Magic Somewhat Helpful

They know that when I get to 3 a paddle is involved. So for the most part it works but I have to hesitate when I count.

Child Time-out Not Working

Time out pretty much stopped working after 3 years old.

Education (School) Working / Worked

We tried some mothers day out programs and that helped a bit, with the socialization and such but that is an expensive option.

Patience Not Working

I give them the benefit of the doubt say when they are cleaning their room. My 4 year old gets distracted and plays while she should be cleaning up. My 6 year old ends up cleaning up everything.

Play Therapy Working / Worked

We have play dates w/ other kids but how do I find kids that aren't unruly little hellions whose parents don't believe in discipline.

Positive Reinforcement Somewhat Helpful

Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. We tried making a chore list and if you completed a chore you got a purple star (which I let the girls make themselves and are stuck to the fridge w/ magnets I put on the back). That was good for about 2 weeks. I like positive reinforcement but it also feels more like bribing.