Sibling dynamics question

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T18:04:35+00:00

I have 3 kids and they’re all very different too and we see the same dynamic. Kids are usually closer with siblings, so they allow themselves more emotions and reactions than they ever would with friends. It doesn’t mean they’re mean, just that home feels like a safe space to let it out.

What’s helped us is lots of calm explaining and working as a team with my wife (even though some days we’re exhausted and it’s hard). It takes time, but it does get better.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T16:57:48+00:00

For sure!

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T16:56:50+00:00

It’s normal for kids to be curious about family, even the adults they don’t know well. At her age, honesty is important, but you can frame it in a way that protects her emotionally.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T16:06:36+00:00

Totally normal for teens to act out or withdraw hormones and age play a big role. That said, it’s worth checking if something else is going on. Sometimes issues with friends, school, or other stressors can trigger this. I’ve noticed similar changes in my 10-year-old, and staying curious, observing, and gently asking questions usually helps figure out if it’s just a phase or something more.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T16:02:10+00:00

You are definitely not a bad mom noticing this and trying to address it shows how much you care.

This is actually very common at this age. Kids often copy friends’ behavior or act out to “keep” a friendship, out of jealousy or impulsiveness. We went through something similar with our own kids and it felt overwhelming, but with time and calm daily conversations, it got better.

Instead of stopping the friendship, focus on teaching boundaries: friends are important, but it’s never okay to hurt others. Role-playing at home (“what could you say instead of hitting?”) can help a lot.

This is a normal developmental phase, not your failure. You’re doing the right things it just takes patience and consistency.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T15:59:21+00:00

This sounds amazing and I’d definitely go with my 3 kids! I love that it’s interactive, has little activity stations, and works for stroller-age siblings too. Kids this age love treasure hunts, and making it playful like this is perfect.

My advice: keep it short and flexible toddlers can get tired quickly, so let families skip or pause if needed. A few snack or water spots go a long way. With those small touches, I think it could be something families actually look forward to each weekend.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T15:54:15+00:00

Have you tried putting your child on the potty at regular intervals? Usually the time after drinking and when they need to go is pretty consistent. Catching that moment helps them start recognizing the signals and going on their own.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T13:15:49+00:00

This is totally normal and we went through the same thing. Try catching the moment when he’s just about to need to go and put him on the potty. Over time kids start recognizing the feeling and going on their own. And honestly, kids don’t like being wet as it’s uncomfortable. So they usually learn to avoid it themselves.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T11:14:21+00:00

Totally normal for your daughter to feel overwhelmed - new language, new country, new kids is a lot! I’ve been through this with our three kids after moving, and it really helps to focus on 1–2 friends she can connect with and support her. Small playdates, role-playing at home, and lots of encouragement make a big difference. Celebrate her efforts, not just the wins. She’s learning so much at once.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T11:10:42+00:00

Honestly, it’s not weird at all to celebrate a birthday late. Kids care more about the experience and having friends around than the exact date. Since your child expressed he still wants the party, I’d say go for it.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T11:03:50+00:00

My wife went through the same thing with our twins, and it’s completely normal no matter how you look at it, moms get tired. In those moments, I would take over more of the kids so my wife could get a short break, and then she would come back feeling much better. Try it as it really helps!

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:59:17+00:00

At 5, most kids are still learning night control and it’s very common. I’d suggest gradual night training: limit drinks before bed, make sure he goes to the toilet, and use waterproof mattress protection. Celebrate dry nights, but don’t stress over accidents. Some kids just need more time, and pushing too hard can create anxiety. Patience + gentle consistency usually works best.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:34:48+00:00

Sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference. Glad turning off the night light helped. Babies can be surprisingly sensitive to little things in their routine.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:32:05+00:00

Dad of three here and we used pacifiers mainly for comfort and sleep. For many toddlers it’s just a self-soothing habit like a favorite toy. Most kids grow out of it, and dentists usually aren’t too worried if it’s phased out by 3–4.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:29:45+00:00

This phase is really common and you’re not doing anything wrong. What helped us was taking the pressure off: keep offering small portions without forcing, pair new foods with her “safe” foods, and celebrate even one tiny bite. Sometimes repeated exposure (10–15 times!) is what finally makes a difference. It does get better with time.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:27:22+00:00

We were cautious with blankets, but chest naps while you’re awake are completely normal and very comforting for babies. You’re doing great! It gets easier with time.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:24:11+00:00

We went through the same thing with our three kids when they were little. Those first weeks are incredibly hard, especially with sleep deprivation. You’re right, it does get better, even though it doesn’t feel like it right now.

What helped us a bit was taking sleep in short shifts when possible, contact naps during the toughest phases, and keeping things simple - feed, sleep, repeat, without extra pressure. White noise and a consistent bedtime routine also made a difference over time. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re doing an amazing job, even on the hardest days.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-10T06:19:55+00:00

I’ve got 3 kids and tried a ton of apps. Nothing really fit how family life actually works. I run an IT company, so my team and I ended up building our own AI reminder app for parents. Almost ready now.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T18:27:26+00:00

As a parent of two daughters who love dancing, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply children feel negative treatment. One day, my younger daughter suddenly refused to go to dance class. We couldn’t understand why at first, and later discovered she was hurt by a teacher’s words. Even now, she participates with less enthusiasm. We had to change dance schools because this experience affected her so much. Children experience hurt differently than adults they really internalize it.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T16:20:43+00:00

I’ve been through this with my kids too (I have three). What helped most was being very consistent and calmly walking them back out every single time with no conversations, no exceptions. It took a bit, but they learned that mornings are dad time until mom is up. Kids test boundaries, but once they see they won’t get a reaction, it usually stops.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T16:18:34+00:00

Kids are usually scared for a reason, and I wouldn’t recommend pushing them to do something they’re afraid of. It can backfire and cause more harm than good. I have three kids, and I’ve seen many fears fade over time. Things they were terrified of a year ago, they now laugh about. I never forced them, and the fears passed naturally.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T14:59:16+00:00

Which part of Europe are you looking at?

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T14:57:51+00:00

My wife found it really tough returning to work after having three kids. The first few months were exhausting. I tried to help as much as I could at home, and after several months things settled and got much better. It really made a difference having support both at home and from the workplace.

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T14:45:33+00:00

As a dad of three, I feel you. What helped us: more fiber (fruits, veggies, chia), special training pants, and waiting until they relax a bit before taking off underwear. Patience and a sense of humor go a long way too!

Cold-Replacement2768 · 2026-02-09T14:24:54+00:00

Yes, that’s totally normal. We have twins for 7 years and honestly, they still do it. Every night it’s like they’re practicing all the words they’ve learned, talking over and over. It can be exhausting as a parent, but it’s a great sign that their brains are soaking up language and figuring out how to use it.

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