[Tanibani]

G (6) will take whatever M (2) is playing with, just to take it away. Then he'll run away. Then he'll say "ha-ha! I have it and you don't." Then M will run crying to me. Then I help retrieve it. I tell him not to, he just smirks and looks proud of himself for making her cry.

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He will also push and trip her on purpose. I tell him (since I don't like Time Outs as punishments or any punishment and really don't know what a natural consequence looks like here) it hurts his sister, to stop it. His response - proud smirk.

Today M & I went over to a friend's house for a little playdate. M loves her friend (same age) and M was acting like a bully with her friend.

She never did this before.

Now she is copying how she has been treated. Now what?!?!?

He used to be mean to both of us, but over the past few months, since I've been better at connecting with him, he's great with me now. With her... he starts fights and takes toys away (why?!??!!) when she's holding it.

Advice?

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[Twocoolboys]

Have you tried sitting down with him during a quiet moment and asking him why? At 6, he is more than old enough to help work through this with you. Ask him questions like why do you take toys that sis is playing with? how does sis feel when you take a toy? how do you feel? Etc. Then, ask him what he can do to avoid taking toys from her. I would let him do a lot of the talking and just guide the conversation. You might be surprised with what he comes up with.