Toddler acting up when sisters are around?

Question

I have three step-daughters, and they are in their teens. They get along wonderfully with their little brother (my son). He loves to play with them, and there are no issues there.

However, they came to visit us for the month, and my son is "pushing the limits" with me and my husband. I can't say he is being bad, but things he would normally "know better" about, he is acting up on--like talking back, throwing stuff, etc etc. I rarely had to put him in the corner before, but it seems like I am putting him there several times a day--he is also refusing to eat (not that he was a hearty eater before) but he will skip meals now because he thinks he is going to miss out on the action. He also gets in these moods where he will be anti-mommy and daddy

Now mind you, I am pregnant and about to give birth any day now, so I fear this will just effect his behavior even more!

I think he is getting "excitement overload." I notice he gets like thiss when we have visitors.

What can I do??

Answer 1

sounds like he has a little crush on one of your step daughters, or he just wants attention.

Answer 2

HAHA you gotta love toddlers. I have the same problem with my 2 yr old. She is my only child and the only grandchild out of my me and my 2 sisters. So of course she is already alittle spoiled BUT its controllable for my mom and I (I moved in with her when I had my daughter). When my 2 sisters are around she is out of control and acting up horribly. Its a attention thing but it is very annoying for us parents. She also acts this way at times in public until I make it clear that I don't play around like that.

Answer 3

Your son may be trying to push your limits to see what he can get by with.  He probably noticed that his big sisters were getting to do and say things that he hadn't thought about yet or maybe wasnt around long enough to take notice.  I think this is pretty typical of most children.  Just try to be consistent with the rules and enforcing them.  You could use some the SUPER NANNY suggestions by posting a poster board with all of the house rules.  Make sure to talk about the consequences of each rule and enforce the punishment each time.  I know, easier said than done, especially when your dealing with pregnancy fatigue and rollercoaster hormones, but try your best.

For the new baby coming, you can buy you son a book about becoming a big brother.  

Take him to the hospital for a big brother tour.  

Buy a canvas bag for him to take to the hospital, and let him decorate it himself.  Fill with new items that can entertain him at the hospital.

Buy him a "coming home" outift.  Afterall, the new baby will have one too!

Watch his baby ultrasound video with him and talk about how special he is to you.

Let him pass out suckers or bubble gum cigars to your hospital visitors.

Let your son pick out a small gift for the baby.  Let him give it to the baby at the hospital.  Pick out something really cool for your son that he has been wanting and wrap it up to give to him from the new baby.

Have a big brother celebration party for him.  Ask all of your friends and family to come and minimize all talk about the new baby.  You will want to fuel his self esteem and make him feel special.  My oldest son was 4 when my daughter came.  He got so tired of all of the questionsand comments about the new baby.

As soon as your feeling up to it.  Plan a special day with just you and your son.  Ask grandma to babysit, while you go out for his special day1

I know it so hard to balance everything.  We all go through an adjustment period.  I have the same concerns with my 4th on the way.

Good luck!