My husband and I have a 6 year old daughter and a 3 year old daughter. When ever my husband cuddles my 6 year old or gives her any "individual" attention, the 3 year old freaks out and latches on to his leg. He spends a lot of time with each girl collectively and individually, yet they both can not get enough. I worry because I have a son who will be born any day now. Things will certainly only get worse...
2007-01-08 14:35:13 · 10 answers · asked by Nancy T 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
It sounds like you are a very lucky person to be married to such a dedicated, loving man. You should do what ever it takes to keep him happy every single day of your life. Let him know how much you appreciate him every day.
2007-01-09 16:42:37 · answer #1 · answered by PT Money 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you. My position is reversed! I have a 3 year old daughter and a 6 year old son. When my 3 year old cuddles with me my 6 year old tries to push her out of the way. The only thing I can say is when your husband cuddles with the one child you should cuddle or distract the other one so that child will not be as jealous. You should probably talk to your 3 year old and teach her that they need to take turns cuddling with daddy. It will not happen overnight but she will eventually get used to it. Good Luck!
2007-01-08 22:44:48 · answer #2 · answered by JJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right, things will get worse, especially now that your youngest will be a middle child. Your kids are spaced too close together for your too avoid this. The never reached the age when they're able to give up the throne more easily, before they had to cope with another sib. But, you can make up for that by helping them get along, continuing the great job you're already doing, and understand things from their perspective.
Siblings Without Rivalry is a very good book. My mother in law would count out each meatball in spaghettios for her three kids, to make sure each got the same amount. My response to requests for fairness is that everyone will always get what they need and see me if you need more, not if your brother has more. I got that from Siblings without Rivalry and it's worked great.
Also a great contribution of this book is that the authors help us parents understand what we're asking of them when we ask them to embrace a new baby.
I had a terrific daddy, to. Your kids are very lucky.
2007-01-08 22:46:29 · answer #3 · answered by cassandra 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This may be a good situation to teach your 3-year-old about taking turns. When your 6-year-old is getting attention and the 3-year-old freaks out, tell her that it's her sister's turn right now, and it will be her turn next. Unfortunately, it will have to be the newborn's "turn" quite often, so your 3-year-old will need to be coached in patience and sharing. Good luck and congrats on the newcomer!
2007-01-08 22:46:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a stage that 3 years go thru. We have a 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old and when ever I give direct attention to my little one the 3 year old has to "show" me something in the other room or does something that he is not suppose to do.
2007-01-08 22:41:19 · answer #5 · answered by tmweber 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your doing the right thing.... The three yr old will grow out of the phase. Don't let her intrude on the 6 yr olds time and vice versa. Also, have Daddy play with both of them together. Let them help out with the baby. The three yr old will love it. My three yr old was horribal about being jealous when my sister had her baby. I was worried because I was due in 2 months. We let him help out and made him feel special. Aunty spent some alone time with him when we came to see them. and he warmed up in about a month. Also, he was ok when we brought his sister home. He's having some issues now that she wants to play with the toys. She is almost one and he takes everything from her, but he is doing better and learning she is pretty fun to play with.
2007-01-08 22:45:28 · answer #6 · answered by sweetmjh 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that this is a stage that most children this age goes through. As long as love is being shown to each child, this jealousy doesn't last.
Just make sure that both of you share in giving attention to your children.
Show them lots and lots of love and prepare them for the new baby, and tell them that Mommy and Daddy love them all.
2007-01-08 22:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by Seeanna 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i tell you what i bet it will all balance out in time as long as your both aware of the time that your giving to each one . sounds like theres plenty of love to go around in your house how lucky you are .
and when the new baby comes make sure you show the big sisters how glad you are that they are your big helpers with the new baby !
IE... getting you a diaper or handing you there fav toy ,
i have six kids and it seems to always balance out over time
and good luck with your new baby god bless !
2007-01-08 22:46:48 · answer #8 · answered by sadeyez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow she needs to be told no every once in a while when she acts spoiled, that attitude dosnt help anywhere in the world outside of your home
2007-01-08 22:47:25 · answer #9 · answered by a_king9006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every young kid wants attention, it's normal!
2007-01-08 22:43:31 · answer #10 · answered by tini 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋