save me

What is it about these two? Lately the shoving has become more forceful, the screams are more piercing, and the kicking/pulling/hitting is more constant. 

Did they somehow miss the memo that twisting brother's arm to get the toy back is not ok... or that shoving brother into a kitchen cabinet, then holding the door shut so he can not escape is not a funny game... or that grabbing a rolling pin from the drawer just to hit brother over the head with it is not allowed in our house... or that lying directly on top of brother while smashing his face to the ground is not an expression of love... 

I could go on!

One minute they are jumping on beds, holding hands and not five seconds later they are trying to hurl the other off the side of the bed.

The time-out chair has been working over time. 

It's seat cushion is constantly warm from one troublemaker's bum to the next.

Sometimes I like to tell my mind (to keep it from exploding) that it's just normal for little boys to act this way. Well, if that's the case then the "norm" has got to change. 

I also remind my heart (to keep it from feeling sad) that if I just continue to love them, and hug them, and kiss them, and be gentle with them, that eventually the actions will rub off and they will want to do the same with each other. 

You seasoned moms, is this the case?

I am just praying that the day doesn't come that they act out so aggressively towards another playmate. And to be completely honest, 95% of the time big brother is the culprit and little bro is usually trying to defend himself. (Although he is learning to hit with great aim) 

Is there something I should be doing differently?   

How do I better show them what kindness looks like? 

How many fights do I break up and when is it better for me to not interfere and let them work it out? 

Where is my perfect mothering handbook?

Oh, the unanswered questions of motherhood.

Zach in time-out