Our 7 year old daughter begged us for a baby sibling. She spent months reading about baby care, even before I got pregnant. When I got pregnant, she was ecstatic! Now her baby brother has finally arrived, and she seems so sad...
She has helped feed him and burp him, and she seems to like him and being with him, but both me and my husband think she seems depressed and uncommunicative. Tonight, I wanted to talk with her and she asked me to leave her room. Anyone have any idea what could be the problem? I am very upset to see her so down.
2007-08-30 07:58:56 · 5 answers · asked by Victoria 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
kids don't realize that a new baby means alot less time for them. All they see is the cute clothes and the giggiling babies on TV. Reality is its hard work for mom and dad, and not much fun for the first 6 months or so. When the baby gets more personality she may be more excited. Make some special time for just the two of you, she may just need to be reminded that she is as important as a naw baby.
2007-08-30 08:06:36 · answer #1 · answered by parental unit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parents must remember that while an older child or children are excited, and even helpful, when you brought a new infant home, they also had to adjust to having less of your attention.
As that infant becomes a toddler, older siblings suddenly have less patience as that toddler invades their “space” and even finds and takes their possessions.
As the older sibling, your daughter does not have the ability to fully reason yet, she will find it very difficult to cope with sharing her parents with her younger sibling. Indeed, there will be many times when the older sibling insists on being the baby and will not wait her turn.
Some parents have had success by creating off-limit rules to protect the older children’s privacy. Also, these parents set aside time just for the older children. For no matter what age they are, they need you as much as the baby does.
Other practical advice includes the importance of being realistic. A mother or father simply cannot provide all the attention your children may need at the same time. A spouse, aunt or uncle must be available to help. Parents also have found relief by arranging for the older sibling to have a play date or go to the park with friends so the siblings have a chance to have an occasional break from each other.
I hope this helps.
2007-09-07 13:06:55 · answer #2 · answered by Kaya M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your situation with your daughter is not all that uncommon. She's feeling jealous and a little neglected. Having a new baby in the house is great for the older sibling - until the baby actually arrives! You need to make sure that you give your daughter quality time and attention alone with you and/or your husband. The new addition to your family has changed when and how you spend time with your once only child - and your daughter is reacting to it.
2007-09-06 21:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what the problem is!! Believe me!! I'm the oldest of 4 siblings. She used to have mommy and daddy all to herself...now with all the excitement of the new baby...she feels thrown aside. I'm 26 years old and can still remember when my little sister (I was 2) was christened and we had a party at our house after. Everyone ooohed and aaahhed over the cute little baby. SHE used to be the center of attention. Try to make some time for her when it's just her and a parent. She's used to having the sole attention...she'll need to be weened off that!! Good luck!!
2007-08-30 15:08:55 · answer #4 · answered by geminiqtpie22 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happened to me too. My step son is 7 and we just had a baby that he was excited about and then got really jealous. It got to the point to where we had to explain that we were not intentionally spending more time with the baby but that the baby can not take care of itself like he can. Now i offer to let him help with the baby as much as possible and he is much better now.
2007-08-30 15:07:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋