Unfortunate events, disciplining kids, Celtaholic, hair

[pippin_999]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., "Tabouli" <tabouli at u...> wrote:

> Mary Ann:
> > First of all, well done :)  Getting as far as you did with such an 
> age variation in one group--especially siblings!!--was no mean 
feat.  
> Glad to hear that your HP knowledge came in handy.<
> 
> Thanks.  I was very glad too, believe me!  Are siblings usually 
difficult?  The 6yo's older siblings were actually my best allies in 
the battle: his 12yo sister, in particular, was mortified by his 
behaviour, and continually trying to bully him into behaving 
himself (apologising to me all the while: "I'm really sorry, he's 
always like this...").  The 14yo was unrelated to the other three.<<

Hmmm...I have two boys six years apart. They're now 21 and 15. 
I never felt comfortable letting the older one do too much 
discipline of the younger. It made me feel unfair to both of them. 
As you note, the younger child perceived it as bullying. The "he 
always does that" sounds as though it's a problem at home too 
(I can sympathize with the parents.)
   The main thing, IMO, when dealing with the age gap, is to 
recognize that the six year old is going to need some  physical 
activity breaks, even if it's just walking to another office. Outside 
is good if the weather is cooperating. Toys, like Matchbox cars,  
that he can push around on the floor are good too. Also, accept 
that he is going to need more one on one from you, and the older 
ones will have to do something quietly in a corner too at times. 
They, of course, will also  compete for your attention, but try to 
play on their desire for independence. Just my thoughts...

Do you still play piano? I took it up again after a long lapse and 
was surprised to find it much more enjoyable than I 
remembered.

Pippin