2006-09-22 13:16:10 · 12 answers · asked by crow2088 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Are you alone? Because the absolute number one thing you need is help. If you don't have a husband or family or friends, I think local churches or hospitals have relief. That is the number one thing. You can deal with so much more when you have regular breaks, and time to yourself, and sleep! Praying is very helpful also, God knows what you are going through, and is the only one awake with you at 2 in the morning, talk to him. And I know it doesn't seem like it, but it WILL get better. For the toddler, discipline needs to start NOW! they are difficult little people, but if they are undisciplined and out of control, it makes it hell. So please find a way to get a break, and I will say a prayer for you.
2006-09-22 13:21:10 · answer #1 · answered by Coco 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my youngest was born I had a 4 year old, a disabled 2 year old who took her first steps the day we brought the new baby home, and then the new baby. My husband was working 12 hours a day. My advice is to get a sling and use it. That will keep your arms free so you can tend to the 2 year old. The 2 year old will probably be jealous too........he/she is used to being the baby. While the baby is napping (newborns usually do that a lot) spend time with the 2 year old, then he/she will be less likely to get jealous. Also, make sure there are things for the 2 year old to do alone......play-doh (if they're mature enough to not eat it), crayons, even videos. If your 2 year old still naps, try to train the newborn to sleep at the same time so that you can take a nap too! Include the 2 year old in baby care. He/she can bring diapers, pick out the baby's clothes, things like that. Toddlers love that kind of thing. : )
If it gets so bad that you're afraid you might lose your temper with one of them, put the baby in the crib (making sure it's completely safe of course), lock your two year old in a completely child-proof room, with stuff to play with, and just walk away for awhile. Go sit outside on the steps if you have to. Check on them evry 10 minutes or so, and just leave them alone until you're calm enough to deal with the situation.
And yes, prayer helps. Pray for the patience and calmness. It will get better when the baby gets a little older. Give it a few months and the 2 year old will be able to play with the baby a little, and the baby will be laughing and smiling, and everyone will be a lot happier. : )
2006-09-22 21:19:23 · answer #2 · answered by married_so_leave_me_alone1999 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My friend has a newborn and a 2 year old. She puts the 2 yr old down for a nap and is try to get back on track. She went to her moms the other day to take a nap. While her mom took care of the kids. And I take the 2 yr old for her sometimes and she also has a 7 yr old. And sometimes her husband take the 2 yr old and the 7 yr old and goes to the gym. Give her and him a break from them. the baby sleeps alot. Good Luck and she prays to be strong.
2006-09-22 20:53:15 · answer #3 · answered by chrissy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will be in that same boat in a few days. I am due the 30th with my second child and my daughter turned 2 in July. I am hoping that once the baby is born and my hormones go back to normal I will not be as irritable and will have more patience again. Right now my daughter seems very excited about the baby and hope she will have fun too and will "help mommy with the baby" like getting diapers for me. Like someone else has said, I got a baby sling just today and hope that having the baby in there I will still be able to interact with my daughter since I will have my hands free. Im sure once you get on a schedule it will all be fine.
2006-09-22 21:40:22 · answer #4 · answered by sooz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frequent momentary parental time outs... When your children are safe in thier crib or napping take a few minutes to step outside on the porch... get some fresh air... relax knowing you can head what's going on inside while you are removed from it by being outside...
Take trips to a local park and talk with the other parents while your kids play so you actually have an adult conversation... Get your child into a playgroup they are as much for the childrens socialization as for the parents socialization...
Visit a local nursing home a couple times a month wit your children... The elderly people will love to see your kids and will be happy to help you with thier life experience if you have parenting problems...
2006-09-22 22:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a newborn a 2 year old, a 5 year old, and an 8 year old. The dad was no help. I just took it one day at a time.I knew that this too will pass. I hired a babysitter who was at home with me. She took care of the children while I did the housework. It worked for me.
2006-09-22 20:26:42 · answer #6 · answered by robee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have three kids, all almost exactly 2 years apart. They're teens now, but I remember well having all babies. Take it one day at a time. Find someone you trust, if you are alone, to take your kids even for a couple of hours, at least once a week. If you have a significant other, schedule time every week that he has the kids so you can go out and be alone or with friends. You will be able to do this. It's hard work, but so worth it.
2006-09-22 21:11:45 · answer #7 · answered by schoolot 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't pressure yourself. Understand that you can't do everything. So if you need to let some things go undone don't punish your self. Also its good to try to get the 2 year old to nap atleast once while the baby is napping so that you can get a minute to yourself.
2006-09-22 20:49:55 · answer #8 · answered by Sharee B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
And with all seriousness, If you are really going too crazy, don't do anything stupid. All Churches, and hospitals take kids in no questions asked. I'm just saying this because of this crazy world we are in.
2006-09-22 20:26:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for lots of walks and make sure you get some breaks now and again.
2006-09-22 23:36:23 · answer #10 · answered by Jodi M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋