Siblings!

First off, I think it is great that the 4 and 5 year old want to help with their sister. That shows you have some caring children.

Second, I do think that you need to establish some boundaries and rules. Children are a gift, not sinful creatures to be disciplined. However, they do need guidelines and structure. Some children need more than others. A good combination of setting up rules and consequences and sticking to it and positive reinforcement will help you. Reward them for following the rules. If you only focus on the bad behavior, they will see that as the way to get your attention.

I think it might help to establish some routines and give them some "chores." For instance, I have a 3 1/2 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. My son needs more structure and can obviously do more than my daughter. We were struggling with some tantrums and not listening - so we did a list of rules, with pictures that he has to follow. My daughter has to follow them too (not all as she is too young for some). I made some of the rules tasks that my son could do and give him a sense of accomplishment - and my daughter does them too. For example, they are to put their plates in the kitchen once they are finished with dinner. They put their dirty clothes in the hamper in their rooms.

This makes the rules not all bad and scary.

I hope this helps.

This may sound bad but I lock my youngest child's door so no one can get in when I am busy doing what ever. That way if I am showering or doing the laundry I know for a fact no other little sneak is in there reaking havoc.

Hi F.,
I do agree with a previous post about discipline. It is important to start it at a young age so it can carry through (as much as possible!) to the teen years. However, I thik that with the situations you described, and with the age of your kids, the "Magic 1-2-3" could work. Whatever you try, the important thing is that the kids know that you are MOM and they have to listen when you say "no." We are getting into this now with my 19 month old who has gotten to the "terrible twos" sooner than I would have liked! Sometimes I feel like a very mean mommy, but, I try to keep remembering that this will help her in the future. Good luck- they sure can be trying!
E.

Dear F.,

I am a mom that have very well behaved kids and even they get into things. I do believe in decipline. If they pull all the clothes out, make them put them all back. One thing I did was get a baby cam. My friend sells them and I got one from him. I love it. I have it hooked to the tv in my room and the cam is usually in the living room. It has sound and picture. I love it so much that I am buying another one from him for the kitchen. It helps me stop a mess before it gets to far out of control. Any mom know it only takes a minute for kids to get into trouble. I would suggest you get one for your daughters room and get a tv for in your room. Good Luck.
B.

Hi F., my little one ( only one, so far) has very challenging temperament- I can't imagine three including two enthusiastic boys. Have You tried explaining what may happen If the baby accidentaly drops? It may hurt her delicate scull etc. And also, how about little prize every time your boys wake you up first, than go to the crib. I guess, you will have to repeat messages like "Only adults can hold the baby" often but you will be succesfull eventually. Good luck, M..