Need Time for 5 Year Old

I know exacly how you feel! My toddler wants to be in the middle of everything and it's hard to get in that one-on-one time with my 8 year old. I found that letting my toddler do one of his favorite activities (like painting) allowed my other son and I to have some free time. It seems that if it is obvious that I'm trying to get him out of the way, he will try even harder to get to us! If I let him see what we are doing and maybe even have him "help" (like handing out money for Monopoly or flipping the cards), he feels good and sometimes even gets bored with it and moves onto something else. One other thing I do if I really want to get in some extra special time is put my younger one to bed 15 minutes early and let my older one stay up 15 minutes later. I then have 30 minutes for snuggling, talking about the day, or reading a story. I hope this helps! =)

Why can't you play with both of them? I appreciate they have different needs, but why not put on a puppet show for them or play with flashcards or play simon says or put on fun music and dance around your living room or any number of activities that will engage your older son while entertaining your youngest? You could even encourage the oldest to make a game out of getting the younger to laugh through the "funny face game" or play hide and seek under a blanket. Just a little creativity will help solve this problem -- you do not need to isolate your kids from each other. You had 3 years of one-on-one time with the older so you need not feel guilty that he now much share "his" time with his brother. As they get older it will balance out again. Check the activities on www.rookiemoms.com for starters.

Good luck!

It was hard for me when child #2 came, to get over the guilt of not doing so much with child #1. But, I have 4 children now and I no longer feel that way. I try to spend special one on one time with each kid, that's most easy on the weekends. There are times everyone is going to one child's soccer game or whatever. Then we all root for the one playing. It's really better for the kid to not feel like the world revolves around them completely. Maybe when your husband gets home from work, you can read with your 5 year old or something. It sounds like the older one is a little worn out from pre-k and having to behave and sit still so much at school. It sounds normal to me that he wants to wrestle with his little brother. I think he just wants to play. It will make baby tougher too. Who can blame baby for not wanting to be left out. Maybe he could be in a playpen closer to the action. Good luck. It'll get easier.

C.- I have the same problem, my middle son just turned 5 and my youngest is 17 mos- the 5 year old is wild after school and doesnt behave appropriatly with the younger one- it's very frustrating- can't wait till summer! for now- I would try to put the baby in highchair and let him "color" or play playdough while you and your 5 year old do the same...or go outside and swing together or go for a walk in the neighborhood- your 5 year old has some pent up energy to get out after school - so something active is really nice- and wha tabout bed time? I put my baby to bed between 6:30 and 7:00 - so that gives me time to spend an hour with my two oder ones without the baby around....
Good LUck- I know its hard!
Have you also tried a mothers helper? a young girl in the neighborhood (between 8-11) that can help with the baby while you spend time with the older one??
give it a try!
Nikki

I just returned from Europe where my 4 yr old and 1 yr old granddaughters are. I can see your problem. I know my 1 yr old has favorite toys or play stations and I would suggest to save your youngest sons favorite toys or play areas for when your 5 yr old comes home. It is important for each to have your time and I admire you asking for suggestions from others.

Hope all works out well for you and your sons.
B.