Help how do get 5 year old to calm down?

Question

I have a 5 year old and a 4 month old how do I get the 5 year old to calm down while baby is sleeping and whild I am feeding the baby?

Answer 1

Isolation for bad behavior seems to work pretty well. It may also keep the disturbing sound down so the infant can fall asleep.

Answer 2

Your 5 year old is probably a little jealous while baby is being fed and is seeking attention. He/she is not used to having to be calm and quiet as up until 4 months ago there was no need. I disagree strongly that he/she has to be quiet while the baby is sleeping - babies will get used to sleeping through noise. If I were you I would place the baby near the television or radio to sleep for a while so he/she gets used to it.
If I were you I would give the 5 year old lots of attention before baby is fed, bribe him/her by telling him/her that as soon as baby is fed that you will play, colour or read with hm/her. You have to be very clever and manipulative with little ones. Remember you cannot give a child more than your time. Make sure your 5 year old is involved in the care of baby, otherwise he/she will feel as if he/she is being rejected for the new baby.Remember you are a unit with each member taking different, but important roles. I wish you all the best and please be patient and understanding with your 5 year old and talk calmly with him/her. At this traumatic stage in his/her life he/she needs lots of cuddles, kisses and a feeling that everything does not revolve around baby.

Answer 3

I didn't have this issue after my son tried this a few times with 2 new baby brothers. I removed the tv once from his bedroom. ever since I say 9 words and it works like a charm...do you want to lose your TV! Stop. Then he calms down. Sometimes I change tv for his fav book, movie, toy, etc. better than spanking, or isolating him. Or if the baby is asleep, how about you play a quiet game with him. As a mother of 3 though, i know when the baby sleeps it is the only chance you get some you time. Good luck.

Answer 4

When you are feeding your 4 month old, let your 5 year old help. She will be less likely to feel left out if she is participating in caring for the baby. When your 4 month old is sleeping, tell your 5 year old that the baby would go to sleep better if all three of you lay down together, then you and him/her will have more time to spend alone. Even though your 4 month old might be passed out before you even get to lay down, it will let your 5 year old think they are helping,(and you'll get a quick rest too). Hope this advice helps you and good luck !

Answer 5

I know how what you mean. I have a 5 year old nephew who is hyper-active. But I invented a game too calm him down,
I bought him a Lego set and told him if he can create as many things with is within an hour or two I will give him 50 cent for every creation he makes. Since my nephew likes a challenge and always ask me to fill his piggy bank, He stayed quiet the whole time while I watch just relax. He manage to make six toys within an hour. He got $3. Now every time I babysit him that's all He wants to do. He will sit in the living room and just build. Now he just build for fun! Not because of money anymore. I suggest you try it with your son. ask how many things he can do while you feed your baby. You don't have to use Legos. you can change the game. If your son is like my nephew, He will love a challenge. I hope this will help you. Good Luck!

Answer 6

While the baby is sleeping could be your time with the 5 yr old. Reading books, singing, watching videos etc. Or taking a family NAP together.

When you are feeding the baby could be the same time for your 5 yr old to have a snack.

5 yr olds LOVE TO HELP! Or so it seemed to me. Get your 5 yr old to HELP feed the baby. Get things together/ready for baby.

If you are still breastfeeding, sit all together and talk "softly" to one another. Singing quieting to each other. Learning new songs or letters or numbers, Names, Address, Phone number etc.

OR that could be a coloring book time or "reading" time for your 5 yr old. Make up silly stories. etc. be CREATIVE!

Answer 7

We go to the library with our 4 year old and let her pick out several books and movies. When we need her to calm down we have her pick a book or a movie to keep her occupied for a little while. Also sticker books work well. Water based finger paints (comes out of clothes and off of walls). A treat of some kind in moderation.

Answer 8

Get comfortable in bed with him. Have him sit with his back facing you. With your fingertip, "draw" a big circle on his back and say "circle". Repeat using "Triangle" and "Square". Then, draw the numbers and the alphabet. Never tickle, and speak in a calm, gentle voice. Let him learn slowly. Make it pleasurable and don't let it become a test. When he's ready to read, draw the letters of a word with a pause and the soft placement of your entire palm on his back between the letters. His age group loves this calming activity and loving touch.

Answer 9

Ritalin SHEESE. Ritalins not always the answer. HEH. Well as for me when I babysit a cute but rambunctious 5 year old and her baby sister I usually find something that the 5 year old likes. Mostly for her its her Dora cartoons. But she likes coloring too. Try to find out what the child likes and get them to do it. And sometimes you could get them to help you out while ur feeding the baby. It works for me. But if they are not patient enough to help you just get them to do something they like. Like watching cartoons or picture books or whatever draws their attention. =) Good Luck And God Bless

Answer 10

Have you tried having a family nap time while baby is sleeping ?
And when you are feeding maybe involve your older one to be your helper.:) And explain quietly what is going on .
Worked for me
Best Of Luck