How do I get him to understand 'gentle'?!

[Karri]

Aidan knows how to be "nice" or "gentle" ...he will demonstrate it. And then he will haul off and smack or lay on or jump into the babies...even when I am holding one of them. I am stern with him and tell him that he needs to be gentle, and I demonstrate it for the millionth time and then he turns around with that devil smile and does it again. I am at my wits end. And I dont want to be rough with him, because that would be hypocritical.
Any tips?? HELP!

[Kris]

I am having the same problem with Emma. I just keep repeating and repeating and I hope one day soon she gets it. The sooner the better. Sorry no advice but I am right there with you

[Barb]

No advice here, either. I cannot get Liam to stop pummeling the dog. I'm just hoping it's a phase.

[Dawnie]

I don't know if this will help but... Victoria was 14 months when Alex was born and letting her hold her brother was the only way we could teach her to be nice to him. We'd sit her on the couch and put baby on her lap with a pillow we'd show her how be nice and gentle. We never had a problem with her being "mean" to Alex after that and when Lauren was born she knew she had to be nice.

Dawn

[Lora]

The only advice I can give is just keep reminding him to be gentle and give it some time. Christopher smacked Patrick across the head the first week and continued to be rough for the first month or so. Now 10 months later he is a very gentle and loving big brother who constantly gives kisses and tells Patrick that he loves him. The only problem I have now is that Patrick is now starting to want to play more with Christopher which leads to fights over toys. The good thing is Patrick is no longer an infant and has been known fight back at Christopher now!

Lora