my son was two just last june, he is a very affectionate yet independant boy. he is very accepting and adapts to new things very well. he is very happy.
i know they do not understand the situation but at the same time kids are very cluey, so i am after some ways of helping him understand and be as prepared as a two year old can be for the up coming event.
someone mentioned showing him photos of himself as a baby, but is all he was interested in was naming the people holding him (he is very proud that he can now communicate with words)
any advice?
2007-08-16 23:41:36 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Yes, you should definitely prepare him for his big brother role. Even young siblings, like 2 should be aware that the change is coming and what to expect. There are many books out there for that age group that you could buy to start the process off. You didn't mention how far along you are... I assume you are newly pregnant. I would start with the book. Because he might not be able to tell you are pregnant for a while, I would wait and do most of the "new baby" stuff after you have a belly. But he should be included in on decisions like which baby blanket to buy...etc.
He should talk to the baby, (especially once there is a bump). My daughter included little baby Jackson in on her nightly prayers every night for about 4 months. Also, she sang him a lullaby. Things like this don't really get him ready for the dynamic change, but they will help him to understand what babies need. Any time that your 2 year old can be included, he should be. At ultrasounds, doctors' appointments. etc.
This baby is going to be a huge change for him, and you. He won't be able to climb into your lap to kiss and hug you any time of the day or night, you won't be able to make him that special meal in the middle of the day, without some notice... it sounds like not a big deal, but to a 2-3 year old, these are huge. Anything you can do to make that transition easier you should try.
Also, he should have his own baby. Even if you have to butch it up with a football jersey cabbage patch doll. He should understand the that babies sleep, eat, need to be held, sung to...etc.
Good luck!
2007-08-17 02:47:41 · answer #1 · answered by Katie C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son turned two in June as well and I'm due Dec. with the new baby. I too have been struggling with this but decided to get a few books about new baby and being a big brother. We read them every night at bedtime. I don't know if it's working, but he has been more willing to discuss the baby's name and being a big brother than he did before. I think it would be hard for any child to suddenly be de-throned...no matter how much you prepared them. Kids live in the moment so I think the best thing to do is just to talk about it as much as possible. Good luck! I'm in the same boat!!!
2007-08-17 02:44:34 · answer #2 · answered by emrobs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you have young kids and are having another baby the child may feel jealous of the new baby. Things you can do to help him adapt to the new baby is let him help with things. Let him help get the nursery ready and you can show him the ultrasounds of the baby. He will feel proud because he is helping the baby. When the baby comes let your son help change the baby with you, you can also include him in things. Another thing you can do is buy your son gifts, just little things and wrap them up so when friends and family bring presents for the new baby your son wont feel left out becasue he will get a gift also
2007-08-17 09:39:34 · answer #3 · answered by S S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son was just over 2 when my daughter was born. We stressed with him what a great thing being a big brother was. And pointed out how special it was since not everyone gets to be one (my husband for example is the youngest in his family so he would tell my son how he always wanted to be a big brother but never got to be). After our daughter was born instead of a welcome home for the baby we had a big brother party (complete with cake and balloons). Before the baby arrived we gave him special "big brother" jobs...like helping set up the change table and putting her clothes in her closet. He adapted really well to the new baby and enjoyed having some responsibility (he would hand me diapers etc during change time..."read" her stories and sometimes wanted to pick out what she was going to wear). We also made sure to have a stash of stuff on hand in case someone came with a present for the baby but forgot the "big brother" present.
They are 9 and 7 now and he is still very protective of her (he was a great help when she started school) and takes his role as big brother very seriously
Good luck
2007-08-17 01:27:30 · answer #4 · answered by cookie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the best approach is to talk to him in his own words about it contantly.Show him his mother's tommy and tell him there is a baby in there.Show him other babies and tell him his mum is gonna have one for him to play with and carry.When the baby moves try to place his hands on her belly.I think they have classes for them these days but maybe he is too young am not quite sure.
One more thing make sure when the baby comes the first time he comes in to see his mum and you, dont be holding the baby have his mother hug him first then gently show him the baby.Telling him it's his baby and encouraging him to touch,hug and kiss the baby.
I have a daughter who was just about 3 years old when I had my son. This made me read a lot about this.I think we are doing fine cos she loves her brother very much and is very protective of him.
Good luck. And congratulations in advance.
2007-08-17 01:27:52 · answer #5 · answered by sadia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋