Younger sibling intruding on play dates

Pamela Varady, PsyD Psychologist and Parent Expert, shares advice for parents on what to do when their younger child keeps intruding on their older child's play date
Parenting Tips | When Younger Sibling Intrudes On Play Dates
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Younger sibling intruding on play dates

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One of the things a parent can do when a little sibling wants to play with a big sibling and the sibling's play date is you can protect the older sibling and the play date about 50 percent of the time. Meaning, 50 percent of the time, the older kid should be allowed to play with their peer and practice their social skills without interference. The other half of the time, I would teach and encourage the older one to allow the little one into the play date. Give her a special little job in the beginning of play. In this way, the little child will be filled up and she won't be so curious and won't be running into her sister's room or her brother's room and playing. She'll get her fill and then typically, they will get a little bit bored because the older play is sort of out of their league. They walk out of the room and they're ready for mommy. But for 50 percent of the time, protect the play date just their peers, and then 50 percent of the time, allow their brother or younger one into the play date.

Pamela Varady, PsyD Psychologist and Parent Expert, shares advice for parents on what to do when their younger child keeps intruding on their older child's play date

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Pamela Varady, PsyD

Psychologist

Dr. Pamela Varady is a Child and Adult Psychologist and sought-after parenting expert. She has appeared as a relationship expert on NBC, Discovery Health Network, The Today Show and Fox TV.  Dr. Varady wrote a workbook, 15 Minutes To Sibling Harmony and conducts seminars and Purposeful Parenting Classes throughout Southern California. In addition, Dr. Varady operates Dynamic Learning and Listening Center for children with special needs with her husband, Dr. Jackson Varady and sister, Dr. Jennifer Glasser, who are also psychologists. Pamela lives in Santa Monica with her husband and 13 year old twin boys.

 

 

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Transcription: 
One of the things a parent can do when a little sibling wants to play with a big sibling and the sibling's play date is you can protect the older sibling and the play date about 50 percent of the time. Meaning, 50 percent of the time, the older kid should be allowed to play with their peer and practice their social skills without interference. The other half of the time, I would teach and encourage the older one to allow the little one into the play date. Give her a special little job in the beginning of play. In this way, the little child will be filled up and she won't be so curious and won't be running into her sister's room or her brother's room and playing. She'll get her fill and then typically, they will get a little bit bored because the older play is sort of out of their league. They walk out of the room and they're ready for mommy. But for 50 percent of the time, protect the play date just their peers, and then 50 percent of the time, allow their brother or younger one into the play date.