Over'loving' almost 3 year old

[MissE]

I don't even know what to write in the title-line. The thing is my DS (he'll be three in March) is just ALL ABOUT HIS SISTER (17 months). He just won't leave her alone which is driving me insane. I don't know how to handle it. He jsut pushes her, hugs her, pulls her, pokes her, hits her ALL THE TIME. I've asked nicely to leave her alone to which I get the reply "Leave Adam alone". I have put him in timeout but he doesn't seem to understand. I've tried to explain to him that she is scared of him and doesn't want to play but again..I don't think he understands just yet.

Please tell me it's just a phase. He loves her and he cares for his babysister a whole lot. I think he just wants to play rough with her but she can't yet. She runs away from him, not knowing how to defend herself and crying.

He's generally a very nice, polite and laid back toddler but this is the only thing that I just can't seem to get a breakthrough with him.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[almadianna]

I have a 3 year old and a 16 month old, we are in a similar situation.

I have never put my child in time out for trying to play with her brother, at this age they cannot control their bodies and cannot control how "hard" they play... we should not expect this from them at this point. Part of the "fun" of having two kids that are that close in age is that we have to make sure that they dont beat each other up...

You are right, he doesnt understand so you just have to deal with it really... I explain to my child that the baby is younger and that she needs to be gentle. I have her show me what "gentle touches" are and I have her hug him often. I also allow her to play with him under my supervision often because I want her to keep wanting to.