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[quote=Anonymous]Hah I had to do a double take as to whether I wrote this because I also have a 2 and 4 y/o and we often say the inmates are running the asylum these days. Some days are better than others, but I think these are tough ages for a pandemic. The toddler gets into everything and understandably our 4 y/o gets annoyed when his legos or trains get messed up with his younger sibling.

Things are gradually getting better though. A few things we’ve done — I’ve stopped trying to control screen time. We are working from home and it just has to be one sometimes to entertain them. Now that it’s always available it’s losing its luster. My son (older 4 so maybe more independent than a young 4) just decided on his own he is tired of tv and is playing with train tracks right now as my DH puts our 2 y/o down for a nap. So maybe just cut yourselves some slack in allowing the t.v. to be on. This won’t ruin them forever (I hope!).

Suggest fun activities to make them want to take a break from t.v. I try to plan one fun thing each day during an afternoon break — pulling out water colors, kinetic sand, going for a long walk, etc. I find the kids are bored of screen time and get excited about doing stuff together. And the more positive attention they get from me, the more they’re willing to leave me alone a bit to work.

We’ve been majorly picking our battles. Some days my 4 y/o wants to dress up in collared shirts and some days stay in pajamas all day. I. Do. Not. Care. We bought fun light up tooth brushes that make them want to brush teeth. We have breakfast waiting for them in the morning and eat dinner as a family, but otherwise I don’t care if they graze and don’t have a true lunch. Basically, I’m trying to give them as much control over their lives as I reasonably can while also keeping some structure to our days.

Also, I make sure to discipline evenly. I send both kids to their room if they’re really acting out. Obviously the 2 year old is ready to comply with just about anything after a minute alone crying. Our 4 y/o I tell to come out when he’s ready to settle down and talk. I think he appreciates younger brother getting the same type of discipline though because I noticed he had more outbursts when he felt his younger brother was “getting away” with more because he’s younger.

There’s really no magic solution OP. This won’t last forever. They won’t be 2 and 4 for too long.[/quote]

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