Leading by example

So I have three children, 2, 3, and 6. They pair off at times, the oldest two playing nicely or the youngest two playing nicely... or sometimes the oldest and the youngest team up and exclude the middle one. Most of the time all three of them play well together. And I try really hard to encourage them to treat each other well.

And I try, too, to use logical consequences when things get a bit heated. Like separating them or removing the offending toy that they fight over. Most of the time, cause I'm a softie, I issue a warning or two before I call a time-out.

So... I guess I should be pleased that it's sinking in. My middle one, Connor the three-year-old, is obviously paying attention to something I've said. Because he very calmly, very sweetly, reminded Kirstin - my two-year old - about the consequences if she continued to antagonize him.

He said, "Kirstin, if you take that toy away from me again, I'm going to hit you on the head."

Oh dear...