I am hoping that my boys have a very close and loving relationship, and this was one of the reasons that I wanted to have them be close in age. So I am always watching their budding interactions closely without trying to hover (although I think I am probably hovering). David is, of course, fascinated by anything and everything that the three foot tall creature with the little boy voice does. AJ is more hot and cold on David. He will sometimes give David unprompted hugs or gentle pats or hellos, which I love to see. And then there are the moments when AJ walks directly over to David, who is usually just minding his own business, and gives the little guy a whack.
Today David was busy nursing when AJ walked over and gave him a whack on the arm. David was startled and looked around for a few seconds before letting out a good scream and bursting into tears. I said to AJ, "see, it hurts him when you hit him. You don't want to give your brother an owie, do you?" AJ's face crumpled and I could tell that he felt terrible, but I wasn't sure whether he felt bad about hurting his brother or just bad that he had fallen out of favor with me. I am not sure about the best way to head off these little jabs by AJ on David in a way that will make them stop and encourage a positive relationship between the boys. Any suggestions?
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