my 2 year old daughter??

Question

My 2 year old daughter has started crying over everything. (we have a 9 week old boy also) She used to be the happiest child and never cried. She is so sensitive now. I give her some mommy and her time with just the two of us but it's never extremly long because of breastfeeding and all that with the newborn. and daddy comes home from work and plays with her all night so it's not like she isnt getting attention. help anyone??? suggestions are welcome- smart a opionions arent

Answer 1

She is just emotionally trying to adjust to the new little one in the house. It use to be all her and even though you are giving her attention it's not what she is use too.

It will take her time to realize that you and Daddy still love her and are going to give her attention just like the baby.

Here is a website that you can read:
http://www.scholastic.com/earlylearner/experts/behavior/0_2_2yrsnewsib.htm

Have her help with the baby. If it's time to wash up the little one have her help you with the water, washcloth, clothes, baby wash, ETC.

No matter what you are doing around the house always include her so she is getting all the attention that you can give to her. She will get use to it after awhile.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

She was the center of your world for 2 years and now she has to share you. It's hard to go from having all the attention to having a lot less. Though she gets a lot of attention from daddy, what she is trying to get is more from you. Take time every day to show her how much you love her. When the baby is sleeping, read her a story, do an art project, have her help you make a snack. You can also have her help with the baby. She can pick out the baby's outfit, get a diaper, or help with a bath. Tell her how lucky she is to be a big sister.

Say things to her like "You did that by yourself! Look how high you can jump! You used so many colors on your picture!" These phrases are great confidence builders and will help her to feel proud. They are a great way to show attention. It is amazing how children's behavior changes when using these phrases.

Empathize with her when she is upset. "I can tell your feeling (sad, angry, disappointed, frustrated. I know it's hard for you to share my attention with the baby." She will soon learn to better express herself rather than crying.

Try and find some books about being an older sibling. I know Amazon has some great ones. These should help her to gain a better understanding of the changes she is going through.

It will take a little time for her to get used to the idea of sharing a new sibling. Just keep loving her and enjoying her. She will soon feel more confident in her new world. Good luck!

Answer 3

Have her help with the baby like getting diapers and what not. Also let her play with him, only while your watching of course b/c 2 is a very vunerable age. I understand what your going through exactly because I have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 10 day old, and also a 4 1/2 yr old too. My 2 1/2 yr old daughter changed her personality 180 degrees when I was in the hospital, but now she loves her babysister to death. In volve your daughter more in things with the baby it should help ease the crying and clingyness away. Good Luck to you!

Answer 4

This is exactly what I am afraid will happen in a few weeks with my 3 1/2 year old son when we have our baby. We are expecting, and will be induced or do a c-section in a few days...my son is SUPER excited right now, he loves the IDEA of a little sister but I am afraid that there will be some after-shock effects even though I know that he will get plenty of attention (I am home all day with him). I have heard it is helpful to let the baby lay on the floor or bouncy seat next to you and her playing and just let the baby watch you play...it encourages her to go on with her normal life without discluding the baby. But I guess I will find that out soon enough!! If you find something that helps be sure to let me know!! Best of luck

Answer 5

I'm in the same boat but my new baby is now eight months old and the older one is two and four months. Your two year old is probably just adjusting. She is used to things a certain way and everything is different for her. It will get easier though. I just try to include my two year old in things and talk to her about the baby a lot. I say things like 'it's time for us to change the baby' or 'look! the baby is smiling at us!' It sounds simple but I believe after time, my older one started to get the feeling that she's a part of the changes and we need her help and imput. Hang in there.

Answer 6

I have a 2 year old daughter that also does this. I make sure first that there is nothing actually wrong with her. If not I tell her if she is going to cry for no reason she has to go sit on her bed until she is done crying, & explain that if she wants something she needs to ask & not just cry. She goes & sits on her bed & when she is done crying she comes out on her own. Of course this will not work for every child but it works well with my daughter, its always worth a shot.

Answer 7

I'm about to experience that myself. My daughter will have a newborn sister a week before she turns two but the biggest help came from a friend who already experienced this. She taught her oldest that the newborn was "HER" baby and that she had to help take care of it. It was easier to teach her responsibility than try to argue with a two year old over "you have to be nice" and "baby needs this". Let her help as much as possible and keep reminding her it's her baby, she has to protect and love it just as much as you.

Answer 8

Toddlers are very sensitive to change. She just needs more time to adjust. All you can do is comfort her. When my sister's boyfriend moved out of the house, my daughter wouldn't sleep in her bed and she clung to me. Fears get created in them that they can't explain. The only way that they can really communicate their unhappiness and discomfort is to cry. I think that you should just keep doing what you're doing and hopefully she'll adjust. Maybe try to include her with helping for the baby so that she feels useful.

Answer 9

At 2 years old, a baby doesn't cry for nothing, The cry is the only mean they have to express themself. It might have a relation with your new born baby. This problem happened to me when I was a child, and if you don't treat it on time, trust me it won't go away. You need to tall to her, even if she is 2 and see a doctor if necessary.

Answer 10

For starters she sees that when the baby cries he gets attention... she obviously isn't stupid... if it works for him... it should work for her. Help her be a big helper ... sing to both children while breastfeeding... read to both children... but while doing these things make a special point to include your daughter... and other little things to give her more attention.... what every toddler craves.