Nursery World - Ask the expert (13)

Child psychologist Jennie Lindon answers your letters about child behaviour Q In our pre-school we have a brother and sister who are 14 months apart in age. They spend a lot of time teasing each other and squabbling. We have talked with their father and he says the children behave like this at home.

Q In our pre-school we have a brother and sister who are 14 months apart in age. They spend a lot of time teasing each other and squabbling. We have talked with their father and he says the children behave like this at home.

He and his partner are worn out by the constant bickering and he admits that sometimes they shout at the children in sheer frustration. Yet the children seem to be very fond of each other. At least, they do not jump at the chance to be apart in pre-school, when they could easily separate.

A As I am sure the children's father is aware, we get nowhere as adults if we set a bad example, such as shouting at the children to stop their squabbling. But such a situation is emotionally very wearing.

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