Three rules to prevent sibling rivalry

According to our resident baby expert, Jenni Johnson, there are three effective rules and boundaries to prevent sibling rivalry in the home…

These are: the older child is not allowed to tease the younger child. The younger child is not allowed to harass the older child. If one of the children has friends to play or wants to be alone, the other child does not have to be included if not invited. Your children must be aware of these family rules and you as the parent mustn’t break them.

Children go through phases of being badly behaved for no apparent reason; routine hasn’t changed, nothing different happening in the home, loving but firm boundaries are in place. Sometimes children are either overtired or perhaps coming down with an illness so making allowances and giving extra love is perfectly acceptable. Put it down to an off day.

When your baby starts reaching for your food at about 7 or 8 months it is generally time to increase finger foods. By the time your baby is 9 months old he/she should be introduced to most fruits, saladdy things like tomato or cucumber, protein eg fish cakes, sandwiches, baked beans and lots more. Never leave your baby unattended whilst eating.

Don’t forget to de-worm your children once or twice a year from the age of 2. Over the counter pharmacy medicine is fine unless worms persist then a prescription may be necessary. An itchy bottom could be a sign. If you see worms in a child younger than 2, take your little one to the doctor.

Grandparents - Teach your grandchild a hobby you love: Crocheting, guitar, woodworking or cooking. Buy some chalk and play hopscotch on the driveway and draw each other's portrait. Teach your grandchildren to play chess or board games like monopoly or boggle.

* Catch Jenni on-air every day just after 10am with her tip of the day.

Jenni Johnson, our resident ‘Baby Whisperer’, has been a practicing child-care practitioner for 15 years, and owns a busy ante and post natal clinic in Durban.

At Jenni’s ante and post natal clinic in Durban, parents are taught a system that gives them structure and routine to the baby and childhood years. Jenni has a nursing background. She’s a registered nurse, midwife, psychiatric nurse and a practicing child-care practitioner for the past 15 years. Jenni’s online clinic, can be accessed online via www.jennisays.com. For appointments, e-mail [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter via @JenniSays or on Facebook by 'liking' The Berea Baby Clinic