Yeah, this is what we're dealing with right now. Our little family has been hanging out with my brother's family a lot lately. His kids watch violent movies, play ultra-violent video games on x-box etc, and have very violent play. Lots of hitting, pushing, punching, etc. Lots of really violent pretend play. They're 7 and 5. My boy is 4 and is picking up on all of this violence. It's gotten to the point that they dont actually play at all, it's just a constant boxing match when the kids all get together. I need to be able to look after all of the kids sometimes bc my brother needs the help (he's a very recent widower).
My strategy so far has been to try to give the kids separate activities to do, but i seem to be spending most of my time with them breaking up brawls.
Of course when the kids are here, there's no violent tv, or video games, but i dont have any say in what happens at their own home. I've made a few gentle suggestions to my brother about the media they're exposed to, but that's just not going to change at this point.
I'm open to suggestions!
I want to be spending my time nurturing and teaching these children, but instead i seem to be taking on the role of referee.
My strategy so far has been to try to give the kids separate activities to do, but i seem to be spending most of my time with them breaking up brawls.
Of course when the kids are here, there's no violent tv, or video games, but i dont have any say in what happens at their own home. I've made a few gentle suggestions to my brother about the media they're exposed to, but that's just not going to change at this point.
I'm open to suggestions!
I want to be spending my time nurturing and teaching these children, but instead i seem to be taking on the role of referee.
: once you interact with new people. I have found the lesser reaction to these things has lessened their appeal for my oldest DS. Also as the boys get older they seem to crave more "physical" stuff, which can lead to wrestling. We do indoor relay races, treasure hunts, hide n seek. Outside it's relays, any ball games, side walk chalk, jumping contests all with positive encouragement for positive encouragement. Any activaty that gets a body moving and active. After being outside or active play inside we listen to some classical (insert own preferences here) music, have a soothing snack and then read books, tell or write funny stories. Most kids like to be responsible for something. Baking an easy recipe with them of something they can have is a big success. I have had a dialogue with the oldest about my feelings on violence (ways that is affects us) and I see times where he has made other choices on the playground and at home. When he does I am sure to give him a wink or a high five to acknowledge his good actions. With the older boys, I have been blunt about what I don't want to see here. I think the key to getting your DS to see your "side" of this is to show the older ones. It sounds as though you will be nurturing them more and more, with that they will begin to see how things are done at your house. Now that my DC are older, I have found being firm and direct is the best way to go. (listen to me talk 
, read my other posts and you will know that is a work in progress, sllooow progress) 
