JennB

My daughter and her friend are both 2 1/2 years old and have been in playgroup together since they were 9 months old. They get along well as do me and the other mother. Recently the friend has started acting aggresively to my daughter. Today she pushed her in the face twice. Me and the other Mom both tried to explain how pushing may hurt and were succesful in stopping the immediate behavior only to have it happen again and again when we walked away. Both girls are very verbal and have started having conversations about typical things so I am don't think the one is acting out because she can't communicate. She has had this behavior recently when she wanted her way. Today for instance, she was in my daughter's bed playing with a music box and when my daughter tried to come onto the bed with her she pushed her off (aggressively). The other girl's mother is just as perplexed and frustrated as me trying to figure out the best approach to the behavior. We want her daughter to stop and we don't want my daughter to feel like she has to succomb to such behavior. Any advice? We've tried letting them work it out while ignoring them (but watching them) and the behavior only gets worse. My daughter doesn't seem to know how to respond and her daughter continues the aggressive behavior. After a few minutes they are fine together and are always happy to see each other the next time.

My daughter has a wide foot and can't fit in most shoes found at Target and Walmart. We have been buying Striderite but they have not had her size in anything in the past 4 months. Its time for her to get new shoes. Does anyone have suggestions for a good brand of shoes that is stable and made for a wider foot?

What kinds of food/meals do you provide for your babysitter? I won't be able to prepare a full meal just for them but I am wondering what is appropriate. For example, is it ok to leave a plate of leftovers or is that gross? What about expecting them to fix their own sandwich? Thanks for any ideas!