I've joined play groups and started carrying around a "life like" baby doll but still it seems as though my daughter is attached to my hip. I am only 5 weeks so I have alot of time to go but I worry. Any suggestions on what I can do to help my daughter find her independence would be great.....
2007-07-11 10:33:46 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Don't push her away, for one thing. Don't demand it. Ask her if she can do X at home with you watching. "Can you put this dolly in the toybox? Can you carry your bowl to the kitchen sink? Can you put your bath toys in the tub? Can you put your dirty clothes in the basket?"
When she does these things, praise her and give her big hugs and kisses, then cuddle with her all she wants before asking her if she can do another task. She will gradually learn that she's capable of being independent and that being independent won't mean getting any less love/cuddling from Mommy.
My girls are almost exactly 18 months apart, so I know the fear, but don't worry. You do have a lot of time and she's going to grow up a LOT in the next 8 months.
2007-07-11 10:46:48 · answer #1 · answered by sparki777 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
She is only 16 months.....meaning she is still a baby. :) Take ur time this is not going to be something that if it doesn't happen today the world will come to an end. My suggestion to u is to buy books about sibblings also buy her a baby and all the little cute things that u can get for girls now days..such as the crib, stroller ect. Play with her now that u can and spend as much time as u can with her now. It is too early for her to know anything, when she sees ur belly grow and she feels the baby then she will start to get the idea. Talk about the baby and tell her that she will be a great big sister and mommy's special helper. Good Luck and don't worry u have time.
2007-07-11 10:40:21 · answer #2 · answered by **tu<3nina** 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 15 months old and I'm pregnant too. She just started being all clingy like that about a month ago. But I put her in daycare about a month ago too. So, I'm kinda wondering if that is why she became a tumor on my leg. She is getting a little better compared to a month ago. I don't want her to think that screaming hysterically is going to get her her way. I hold her for about 5 minutes when I get her from daycare and that's it. I just try to divert her attention on other things. Going outside helps a lot. We play a little and read a couple books. But when I have to make dinner, she's on her own whether she's throwing a fit or not. I don't know how others feel about this technique but I think it's working for me. The key is to remember to remain calm and talk to her calmly. No yelling because, to me, that defeats the purpose. I've never heard of a child dying from crying too much (not to sound too insensitive because it really does hurt to see her so upset but she does need boundaries).
Good luck, though!
2007-07-11 10:59:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can't force this. I've been there a few times as my oldest is 6 and I'm pregnant with my 5th. You just can't rush the way your older child develops because it's hard on you. If you try, like we did with our first, was that the old baby gets jealous of the new baby. Even to this day our oldest beats on our 2nd and tries to do what he does and things. When he was born she would try to sit on him, force herself in his baby clothes and tried to pretend her sippy was a bottle and demanded to be burped after each sip. It was a mess! With our 3rd who is 20 months younger than our 2nd and our 4th was to remember they are still babies at 16-20 months and if we didn't have a new baby we would be babying them as we should so we've done our best to keep things level as best we can, even if it means lugging a 20 month old in one arm and the new baby in the other or a soft carrier. Once the jealousy thing sprouts it's there for life.
2007-07-11 10:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by Heavenly Advocate 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is when life gets really crazy. She is still a baby herself. I suggest you pay her as much attention as you can until the baby gets here. I mean when the baby gets here your time alone with her is done forever, so you two should savor it. I find when my kids are clingy the best thing I can do is sit down and cuddle with them or play with them just as long as they want. When they are filled up they go on their merry little way.
You don't really need to prepare her for when the baby gets here because when the baby is here it will all become very obvious to her how things are. As tough as it is, you just need to savor this time with her.
2007-07-11 10:48:50 · answer #5 · answered by Sunny Days 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She will get there!!! I promise! My 16 month old is dreadful at the moment, but I know it will get easier from experience.
make the baby something special just for her!! Baby might bring her something she really wants, etc etc! Good luck - I know its not easy but you will find a way.
Ohhhh and give her as much freedom to walk now as you can - don't be carrying her!
2007-07-11 10:38:15 · answer #6 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is very normal. You need to purchase her a baby doll and show her how to take care of it. And, when the baby comes than allow her to be your little helper. There is going to be jealousy there so just keep loving her and finding some time for her and just you. It's lots of fun....challenging sometimes but fun too!!! Congrats and best wishes!!!
2007-07-11 10:39:31 · answer #7 · answered by September Sweetie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get your daughter a pet, like a cat or dog (cats are easier). Tell her it is her responsibility to take care of the pet. It will also be a great learning experience for her and maybe give you a little break.
2007-07-11 10:39:06 · answer #8 · answered by Sunshine75 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How about you give her the doll and let her be mommy tel her shes going to be a big sister and she will want to help and be all mommy
2007-07-11 10:50:24 · answer #9 · answered by kirsty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should give your daughter as much attention as she wants. It will pay off 100x when she is older she will be much more independent.
2007-07-11 10:38:07 · answer #10 · answered by glen_loves_fun 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋