Bullying

[Skysue]

I posted about this same child before, but things are just getting worse. I have a little one who will be 2 next month. For the past month she has been bullying the other kids. It started with kicking, hitting, pulling hair. Then that stopped and now for the past 2 weeks she has picked one victim and regularly screams at her, which causes this poor little 18 month old to cry every time. She does it intentionally to make her cry. I have tried time-outs in the kitchen alone, I've tried ignoring completely and just comforting the victim, I've tried tons of positive reinforcement when she is nice to her friends, I've tried talking sternly and explaining why we don't scream at our friends. I even had my teenaged son who she adores, talk to her about it. Nothing works! She is unphased by any time-outs or loss of toys, etc. She understands completely that she shouldn't and that she should be "nice" to her friends. She is very smart and talks quite well. I am at a loss and quite frustrated as it is so unfair to the other child. I do have other behavioural issues with this same child, but this one is the worst. Any suggestions?

I'm going through it here too. I just use positive reinforcement and watch the kids like a hawk. If you can catch them before it happens they know you will always be looking. I also get the kids to hug to say sorry & as they’re hugging I say good job at being a good friend! It's a deflate phase and some kids go through it longer than others.

We can psycho analyze it to death and say its because of this or that but at the end of the day some little ones from the most loving homes react this way for God only knows what reason. I think it’s how we react to the situation that will help them in the long run!

I do know it makes for a very long day for us when we have a child like this! I hope this phase ends so for all of us going through it! Just know your doing a great job and that your not alone!

XO