My daughter will be 2 years, 9 months when next baby comes and I'd like to do what I can to prevent jealousy, etc. Any advice?
2007-09-09 05:05:02 · 7 answers · asked by julesl68 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Involve her early on in the pregnancy and expose her to other babies. When the baby arrives, buy her a present and tell her the baby wanted her to have it. Also have her help you with taking care of the baby.
Most importantly pay a lot of attention to her after the baby arrives and try to have a weekly mommy and me night out where just you and her go out of the house on your own and spend some quality time together.
2007-09-09 05:12:14 · answer #1 · answered by jdevico 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
She's not quite 3 so there is often a bit of jealously BUT it's less likely from children around 3 because they can conceptualize the world beyond their own point of view--they can empathize. So I'd say have her start by "helping you" do things to get ready. Have her make a sign that says "Shhh Baby is Sleeping" to hang up somewhere when the baby is asleep. It can just have pictures and doesn't have to look official, of course. She'll feel like a big girl AND when she sees the sign she made, she'll probably actually be quiet when the baby is napping.
One thing that I learned is to never put down one child to build up another. Statements like, "I know sissy is crying and it's bothering you but you're a big girl and you don't have to cry to get when you need" or other statements that put down the baby because the baby doesn't know what you're saying anyway are not good. They create competition later on.
I'd pick up the book: Siblings Without Rivalry. It's an awesome book. I'm not a self-help reader but this has reaffirmed my belief that kids can be civil and loving to each other even if they are related.
2007-09-09 05:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by lacesuntied 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my mother got pregnant with me she told my big brother right away. She told him he was getting a new baby. There is a video of me and my big brother when he was in kindergarten and I was only 4 months old. He took me for show-&-tell at school and introduced me as his baby. I was a present mom gave my brother. He was very involved in the whole pregnancy, he got to go to the ultra sounds and helped pick out my clothes and mom narrowed down the names she liked and let my brother have the final choice. He thought I was the greatest right up till the day I learned how to tell on him. Then there was a few rough years. I would recomend this approach, it worked for my mom.
2007-09-09 05:25:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best manner is to ensure she is dealt with the identical. Take her to the park to play or any other location at the same time getting her used to the toddlers. A nanny isn't a nasty alternative however ensure you believe them, of direction. Hope I helped :)
2016-09-05 07:47:14 · answer #4 · answered by rooker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to make as much alone time with her as possible. When the baby naps, I know you will be tired but make a real effort to get down to her level and play.
Let her help out with the baby, geting a diaper or tossing it in the trash. Give her a lot of praise!
2007-09-09 05:10:43 · answer #5 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i think there always will b some jealousy....no matter the age but just make sure u include her as much as u can and play mommy now with dolls and etc to get her used to taking care of the baby
2007-09-09 05:09:51 · answer #6 · answered by nan0272002 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always refer to the child when she is there as "her baby brother" or "her baby sister." Ask her to help you get things setup for "her baby" and tell her that she can tell all her friends she is "going to be a big sister." Also tell her that as the baby gets older there will always be another child around that she will be able to play with.
2007-09-09 05:15:54 · answer #7 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋