He is acting out by not listening and he also waits until I am doing something for the baby to ask for something he wants. He has started acting like a baby again and he whines alot. I just want him to know he is loved also! What should we do?
2007-01-27 13:23:49 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Naturally, he's just wanting back the attention he used to get before the baby came.
Try to include him when you're doing things with the baby. Read a book to him while you're feeding the baby, let him hand you wipes and things when you're changing diapers, let him help with the baby's bath, etc.
Also, add more one-on-one time with him into your schedule. Even if it's only a few minutes of reading, playing with toys, or just talking it will help tremendously.
Ignore him when he's acting like a baby and praise him for acting like a "big boy". Ignore the whining too. Just because he's wanting attention doesn't mean this behavior is acceptable.
Congratulations on #3 :-)
2007-01-27 13:30:49 · answer #1 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My four year old did the same stuff when my third child was born (she is 5 months now). He's jealous of the attention everyone is giving the baby. If possible, try to have some time to spend with just him. Dad can play a big role doing this too. Also, let him help with the baby (as well as he can for his age, of course). I let my son hold the baby in the rocking chair while I sat in front of it and when he saw her looking back at him he exclaimed "Audrey likes me!" and was so proud to be helping. Have him help you get diapers, a blanket, etc and let him know what a big help that is. Tell him that the baby needs you because he can't do anything for himself and that you know he can be a big boy and be patient while you feed the baby. He will want you to be proud of him and give him that positive attention. He will be so happy to have a new role. It will get better :)
2007-01-27 21:37:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should sit with him and explain to him that he is now a big brother and that he can help with the baby too if he wants. Also, try to make some 1:1 time with each child so that they all get individual attention so that they can know that you love them all the same.
2007-01-27 21:33:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enlist his help. He's at the age where industry is his calling. Put him to work helping feed the baby, change diapers, hold wipes etc. Give lots of snuggles in between.
See if you can work in some special "big boy" time with him. Maybe a rousing game of Hi-Ho Cherrio or a movie, with just the two of you.
2007-01-27 22:59:59 · answer #4 · answered by S. W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have him help with the new baby; getting diapers or what ever you need. Tell him he's the big brother and big brothers help.
When the baby is sleeping - then spend time with the 5 year old.
2007-01-28 02:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try setting aside certain things for him to help you with, ike find a sitter for the other kids and take him to do the grocery shopping. or take him to the movies or rental store with you just for him. also try giving him a very baby specific thing to help with out with: picking out a clean outfit or something like that. He probably has a very common issue right now: wanting to be individualized and needed.
2007-01-28 03:44:29 · answer #6 · answered by aye_m_blessed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's sibling rivalry. take more time with your 5y/o child and assure him/her that you still love him/her. explain to him/her why you have to stay with the baby for a couple of minutes and that he/she can still stay close to you and observe the baby as you go through the daily routine.
2007-01-27 22:26:36 · answer #7 · answered by bluberry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋