Trying to help a friend...?

Question

My friend has two children and I can't help but want to help her with disciplining one of her children!!! I don't feel that my child (7mo) is safe in her home since her younger son (2 1/2 yrs) is a naughty but attention seeking child! My friend clearly gives in EVERY time and is at her wits end so how can I or should I help with maybe teaching her some strategies...

He wines to get everything and anything he wants. He does not play safe- swinging toys. He clearly doesn't listen to directions. His mother states that he only shows this behavior at home and not at the daycare. He screams until his parents let him sleep with them. When we are over there, he's up till ALL hours!

My husband and I are worn out after being in the same house with this child...how can we help our friends??

Ohhh, the other child is a bit older and seems to entertain himself. The younger child does get in his way but again to get attention and wants to play.

Answer 1

U sounds like a perfect parent with a perfect disciplined child. But, pleeeeaase do not give her any suggestion or critize her. It hurts when friends (single or married with child/s) gave suggestion or critize many times about how to educate/discipline my child. Who can understand our position if they are not in our shoes? What if the child has a problem? autism, hyperactive, adhd, etc.... Just dont mingle or stay away from them if you do not like them or the way they lead their live. Sounds harsh, but that would be better for any parties involved. To help, a little bit of emphaty will do... :)

Answer 2

no offense but with you having a 7 mo old i do not think you are in a position to give her parenting advice.... if she has two and her youngest is 2 and a half then she is a lil more familiar with raising kids then you are.... let her be the mother and if you do not feel safe with your child there then do not take you child to the home.... simple as that!!!!!

Answer 3

Just don't try and help because she will hold it against you in the long run.  Remember yours are still young and will also be a hand full when he is older then she will say the same

Answer 4

You will only be able to make suggestions about your friends child and his discipline. Boys need to know who is in charge and what the rules are. Your friend will need to be firm, fair and consistant, outlining her expectations and following through on consequences( both positive and negative). Tell your friend how you are concerned for your child's safetly too. All the best.

Answer 5

i have a 3 yr old and its hard it doesnt make her a bad parent concentrate on ur 7mth old and u will soon c what it like havin a 2 yr old BEST OF LUCK

Answer 6

If she wants your help, then I think you should give her advice.

She definitely should get some strict rules into her sons life or he will be all over her when he gets older.

If you are not sure if she wants your help, get the book "Positive discipline for preschoolers" by Jane Nelson (this is my favorite or any other parenting book for toddlers if you have a favorite) and show it to her, like "Look what I got (or found) but mine is to young for that, would you like to have a look until I need it."

Maybe she'll take it and help herself.