Double Trouble

My twins usually get along wonderfully. But lately the bigger of the two has become a bit of a bully. She bites her sister, she pushes her down and takes her food. It's frustrating because I know they love each other, and these moments are not every moment. They only happen every few days, but I don't know how to make it stop! I want this problem resolved before my new baby is born in December. HELP!

Christa R. Monroe,NC

Honey Don't Suckle

My baby nurses like he and I are in a wrestling match and I think he’s winning. He is five months old and my third. He is always happy and smiling, not very spitty, a good sleeper yet a violent nurser. He seems to latch on well, but then he usually tucks his chin in, arches his back, uses both hands to push away as hard as he can while still holding on for dear life. His feet are usually kicking wildly. He tends to gulp and pop on and off. I have tried singing to him, softly rubbing him, and rocking him. I have tried holding his hands and feet so he can’t push away or pinch or hit. I have never seen the likes of it and don’t know what to do. He is getting plenty to eat (at four months he was almost 17 lbs), although he does seem to be worse on one side more than the other. He is such a beautiful, happy baby, I have no idea why nursing makes him writhe so much.

Teri T. Holly Springs, NC

Night Up

We have 6 children fairly close in age. They are all married now, some with children of their own. When they were younger and especially thru the teen years it was always a challenge to find one-on-one time. So we started nights up. Each child got an extra hour after the rest went to bed. We spent this time playing games, talking, working on projects, or just watching a favorite show on TV. We would have a special treat . It was all their choice. It gave us talking time. I think gave them a sense of being special. This is key in big families. The kids knew it was a privilage not a right. They each looked forward to their night.

-David A. RTP, NC

"Two" Much

I have 11 month old twin girls that will not get off the boob. I have tried everything possible, expensive bottles, starving them so that they would take the bottle, sippy cups..everything! They also wont leave my bed, their cots are in my room only because they still wake 2 to 3 times a night for the breast, but will not sleep in them. Does anyone have any advice or ideas on what i can do for either one of my issues? Thanks so much.

Sela O. Sydney, Australia