My son is too much influenced by elder kids
worriedmom posted on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 15:11
My son is 4 years old and I have observed that instead of playing with kids of his age he is much more influenced by elder kids. He tries to copy theirs acts without thinking. When I try to stop him he just does not listen. I feel helpless.
Recently one of our neighbor's kid has been visiting our home very frequently and he is a very rash child. My son has blindly started doing what ever he does. And day by day I can see my son's behavior is becoming worse.
What do I do? Please help this mom 
I think it is very common among kids. You just need to try and entertain your child more in constructive things so that elders kids activities do not make much impression on his mind.
If you see that a particular kid is having some wrong influence on your child try to minimize the time that your child spends with your child. On the other hand try to explain to your child whats is right and whats wrong.
I think you should not point out to your child that he should not copy. Instead you just distract him when he is trying to copy some other child. My daughter Ninu who is 2.5 yrs also does same and I follow the same.
My son is 5 years old still he always tries to copy elder kids. Whenever I try to tell him not to do so, he will simply say that he is growing up and he can do what all the bhaiyas (elder kids) do. Slowing I am trying to explain to him that its fine as long as he tries to copy and learn some physical stuff and some game.
But he should not copy and get some bad habits. Recently I have seen him abiding by what I have been explaining to him.
So, my suggestion is to keep telling your child whats right and whats not I am surely slowly he will understand your point.
Do not restrict a lot instead try to set a good example in front of your child. Try to keep him in the company of some kids who you think can have good influence on your child.