My daughter is almost 17 months and we are expecting our next in about three weeks. Does anyone have children close together like this? Did you do anything to prepare the older child for the baby's arrival? What was your childs reaction to the baby?
2006-07-10 01:50:00 · 6 answers · asked by cwoo 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I just told my son that there was a new baby coming. He really didn't seem to care. Even when the baby did come. Just make sure that you pay attention to your child when the new one comes along...make them feel special too.
I love that they are so close in age. They are best friends. My oldest is 4 and my youngest is going to be 3 in Aug.
2006-07-10 01:55:54 · answer #1 · answered by CoffeeChick 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
There was just over 13 months between my older brother and myself, and while he was alive he was always my greatest friend. I couldn't remember a time that he wasn't around, all my most treasured memories include him. We had the similar circle of friends during our school years. There was no sibling rivalry, and I only ever remember us having one major argument which was resolved very quickly because neither of us liked not talking to the other.
When my own two were born there was a bigger gap, but I just told my son there was a new baby coming and that I would need his help because babies are hard work, and I think making him feel necessary and part of it all helped enormously. My son and my daughter get on incredibly well, they help each other with homework, one is good at maths the other not so good, but my son is good at the sciences and so it balances out.
Just assign your daughter the role of 'chief helper' get her to feel responsible for some aspect of the baby's needs, the talcum powder, something small that she can be in charge of.
And make sure you have cuddle time for just you and her, that's vital.
Good luck
2006-07-10 09:02:56 · answer #2 · answered by Eden* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had mine close too, of course their all grown now, their ages now are,44-43-42-39, it was a lot of work but worth it. They were close as kids and still are today. You'll manage just fine , include your little one as much as possible, like can you get Mommy a diaper, it works well and they also feel needed. The new baby will no doubt get gifts, I found it helped I bought a small gift for the kids at home from the new baby and they loved it.
2006-07-10 09:36:25 · answer #3 · answered by Granny 1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My youngest two are 15 months apart. I don't think there was any way to really prepare the eldest for the next one. I really didn't have a problem with jealousy till the youngest was a little older and now he is jealous of my 3 yr old. Like someone else said though two in diapers is a real pain in the butt, sometimes you feel up to your eyeballs in poo.
2006-07-10 09:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by winterwillow2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 1st 2 kids are 16 months apart. They're now 14/15 yrs old. He was actually really good w/her when she was born. The main concern is to get it thru that the baby is not a toy. As silly as that sounds. LOL! But it's actually easier when they're closer like that.
2006-07-10 08:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by aero_fyre 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have thirteen months age difference with my sister and yes I do think you should try to equal attentions when children are together and make the older child participate. Do your best and love them..
Luv Pat
2006-07-10 09:56:51 · answer #6 · answered by patflo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋