My 5 Year Old Just Bit My 5 Month Old!

She did what! I know you dont believe in spankings (and I dont either) but she need a spanking. She bit the baby! And she will continue to do devilish things to the baby because she know that mommy will do nothing but put her in time out. If you are angry, and you want attention, biting the baby will get you the wrong type of attention in my house. It will get you in BIG trouble. 1 and 2 year olds need to be reminded of rules of right and wrong. She is 5 years old, she know better.

Send her to her room. Time outs are not an effective form of punishment IMO-especially for a crime of that magnitude. My kids practically laughed at me in their 'time out'. I never got why it is such a popular form of punishment. So go ahead and send her to her room for the rest of the night and do not cave. A couple times of that punishment should teach her.

I don't believe in spanking, either, but I *would* bite back. Give her a small taste of her own medicine. Then take your corners, put the baby down for a nap, put the phone on silent, and play a game of Candyland and read some books with her. She's asking for your attention with actions, not words.

There you were holding the baby, chatting on the phone, all is right with the world - yeah, not so much for your 5 year old.

Biting the baby is really wrong and your 5 year old is old enough to understand that. Time out never worked with my son - he would sit in a corner and amuse himself - sing songs, play with imaginary - I think he actually liked it. So, I took away privileges - favorite toys, his already limited TV time, etc.

Talk to your oldest and, once again, explain the rules regarding the baby, then explain the consequences for breaking the rules. Make them count. and stick to your plan.

Also, I am sure you do, but engage your oldest in helping you help the baby - she could bring you a diaper, pick out an outfit for the baby to wear - little things that will engage her with the baby. Make sure you do spend one on one time with your oldest.

Biggest thing - you must stay calm - when you react you are giving your oldest attention - albeit negative attention - but sometimes that just feeds the bad behavior.

I think we expect them to be as joyous with the new addition as the adults are - but let's face it - those new babies just rock their little worlds. Heck I still tease my older sister about the family stories - seems she tried to give me away for the first 2 1/2 years of my life before she realized my parents were firm on keeping me.

Good Luck
God Bless

All my kids went through this. As long as you're disciplining and staying on top of it, she'll grow out of it. Hang in there!!

I agree w/ Leslee. I think she was seeking attention. Go over rules again, and remember, this is a big adjustment for her too.