My daughter is three and a half. She is normally very sweet and cuddly in nature, but since I've gotten pregnant and started showing, she wants to be on me constantly. I do enjoy having the extra loving time with her, but sometimes I need to get things done and she wants ALL of my attention 24/7. She doesn't want to play with her toys hardly ever or do any of the stuff that I used to use to keep her occupied while I get some work done. I think that perhaps she is aware that once the baby comes, I will be spread a little thin and she wants to get the most of me while she can. However, I feel that if I am to prepare her for this new arrival properly, I can't cater to her every desire for my attention or she might be really upset with me when the baby comes. Not only that, the baby is due just a few days before her birthday, so that is going to be a challenge in itself. I don't want her to feel like the baby is raining on her parade for her special day.
2007-03-05 03:48:43 · 5 answers · asked by starlight_940 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I could make it sound to her like the baby is a special present? I'm not sure yet. She is excited to be a big sister, but how can I make her feel more confident in our relationship and still get the time I need to do the other mom stuff I need to do in a day? (i.e. cleaning, laundry, dinner, etc.)
2007-03-05 03:50:58 · update #1
Eat it up! They grow up so fast. She might just be concerned about you both. You dont have to cater to her. Should and tell her everyday how special she is because shes your first baby. Let her know thats shes a big girl now, thats shes so smart and beautiful. You need her help you cant do everything you use to do because of your tummy. That around her 4th birthday, her new baby will be coming. That her new baby is going to need lots of attention and love from her, and your going to need her help to take care of the baby. When our daughter cried we said oh your babies awake, she wants/needs this or that. When the baby laughs or looks at her tell her how much her new baby loves her. Our son whos 7 still calls his sister now 5 his baby and believes its his job to take care of her, love and protect her. They are the best of friends. Our daughter loves her brother so much because of this she crys if hes getting a shot even though she just got hers and didnt cry at all. On her birthday make the day all about her.
2007-03-05 04:06:31 · answer #1 · answered by letthepartybeginnow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand completely!!! I am 5 mo prego and my daughter is almost 3 and a half. She is also very clingy. But I manage the best I can. I still pick her up and give her hugs(a little wearing on my back, but I do not mind), I get her involved. Find out if she is willing to help with housework (I give my little girl a dry rag and ask her to "dust" for me, or she helps me put laundry in the washer, etc.) Get her opinion on what the new baby's room should look like (my daughter chose a Classic Pooh theme). And if you are really concerned about the b-day issue....have a grandmother take over with helping her with her cake, presents etc so if the new baby cries, you can tend to him/her. And let birthday guests know that this is you daughter's day and to not dote over the new arrival. Save it for before or after your little girl's big day.
2007-03-05 15:19:27 · answer #2 · answered by Ghost Writer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though she is only 3 you still need to talk to her about it. Make her understand how special it will be to have the new baby around and that because she is a big girl now that you'll need to pay attention to the little one becuase he/she cant dont anything for itself. Aslo make sure she knows you dont love her any less. Its better to have her crying now becuase she isnt getting full attention than crying when you have a newborn trying to sleep,eat, and everything else.
2007-03-05 03:56:26 · answer #3 · answered by *Aimzie* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going to have to draw lines. I know she is young but she needs to learn it is not alright to hang on you all the time... soon you will be way too pregnant to hold her, and if you do it will hurt you. Sit her down and have a simple talk about Mommy time, and every time she tries to beg for your attention when you are doing your things, say "Mommy needs her time right now, go play with 'such and such' Mommy will come and play with you when she is done." The more accustomed to the extra attention you give her now she will expect the same or more later. The same thing happened while I was pregnant with my second child. She has to learn to share and that includes Mommy.
2007-03-05 04:02:37 · answer #4 · answered by MARE 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My younger son started acting out when he saw that I was pregnant. I finally sat down and had a talk with him...I asked him if he was scared of the baby, and he admitted he was. I re-assured him that while the baby will take up a lot of my time, I will still love him just as much as I did that day.
He stopped acting out after that talk.
2007-03-05 03:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by mamasquirrel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋