I have a 2 1/2 year old boy, and just found out recently I'm having another baby. My son loves other babies, so I know that he would make a wonderful brother, and will be very excited to have a new baby around. I am trying to figure out the best way to explain to him that mommy has another baby inside of her, without going over his head?
2007-09-09 08:13:42 · 11 answers · asked by Lone Wolf 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
He likely won't notice for a while that you're pregnant, so you can decide whether to tell him now or wait a while - that's the first thing, I think. 8 months or so is an eternity for a child that age, so you might want to wait until there's less time left to run. Another benefit of this is that, if you're suffering with any of the early symptoms of pregnancy, he won't associate the baby with your nausea, etc.
But when you do tell him, consider doing it in phases, starting with, "you're going to have a brother or sister", and progressing through the process as you think best. It could be a series of conversations, or a single one, and you might consider, once you've let him know he's expecting, the notion of letting him drive the rest of the conversation(s) with his questions.
His main concern is probably the effect on himself, which is why I'd start with the fact - he's going to have a brother or sister. He may also be concerned for you, and your health. Anything you can do to minimize his fears or concerns is good, in my opinion.
Whenever you decide to bring him in on the news, I think the best thing you can do is to make it something he's involved with - helping Mommy, being a big brother, etc.
You don't say, but if you're currently a family of 3, with Dad in the picture regularly, then it's great to make it a family discussion, not just you and him.
2007-09-09 08:29:36 · answer #1 · answered by John S 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am in the same situation - most have told me to wait until closer to my due date before telling my daughter. I am 5 months pregnant and have already told my 3 year old about the baby. I point to my tummy and tell her that there's a baby. She'll point to her tummy and say the same thing so I'm not sure if she really understands. When she copies me, I tell her
"someday" there may be a baby there too. I plan to take her to an ultrasound when I am closer to my due date. I think a visual picture will help her understand. Also, it'll be good to let her feel the baby kick when the kicks are stronger. Best to let the first be involved too. Show your son the baby clothes, the crib, etc.
2007-09-09 08:34:07 · answer #2 · answered by nbt95337 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep it simple, no big deal, Mummy's got a baby in her tummy, just like you were and it's gonna be YOUR new baby. Always call it there new baby (not our new baby), involve him in the scans, touching your tummy, choosing gifts and you will have one very useful big brother. Our oldest was 2 years 5 months when we had our second and he took it like a trooper. Remember the prezzie for him when your new arrival arrives (makes them feel big and important too...which he is anyway), maybe a tshirt with "i'm the big brother" on it for when you all get home.
First 10 mins of being home with the new baby, our first born asked for the baby, we just handed him over and as much as he kinda held him a bit dodgily the little one grew to love and giggle at being held a bit precariously. Don't fall into the "don't touch the new baby" trap...this will only cause problems.
Enjoy...having your first is magical but having your second is even more so cos you get to see the oldest ones reactions and the new babies reactions to a bigger sibbling....eye watering.
2007-09-09 10:04:00 · answer #3 · answered by aza 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We just found out we were pregnant also, and we have a 3 year old. We told him right away, because he is part of the family and deserves to know, even if he is little. He took it really well and when I am eating or tired he tells me the baby is hungry or tired. It helps when you get stuff for the baby also. He understands why we are getting baby stuff and is very excited. I would defintaly tell him, its a fun expierence to share with your kid
2007-09-09 08:54:56 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wait, seriously. Do you have any idea how long 8 months is to a toddler? Sometime between 6-8 months is probably a fine time to explain it unless he starts asking about your belly or something.
I guess you could start now, but I just couldn't take 8 months of "how many more sleeps until the baby gets here"
2007-09-09 08:27:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
try"how would you like a brother or sister" and when he answers say "because mommy has another baby inside her"
2007-09-09 08:24:42 · answer #6 · answered by bookwyrm64744 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know, I would go against asking if they wanted a brother or sister. I recall my mother asking me, and I had just watched some random cartoon about having trouble adapting to a new brother or sister, and so I told her no. Well, I got one anyway, and I recall harboring ill feelings about it for at least a few years.
2007-09-09 08:59:02 · answer #7 · answered by killerk1.geo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would wait untill your stomach starts getting bigger. then explain to him that he is going to be a big brother soon.
There are some books like ( Im a big brother ) to help him uderstand once the baby gets here.
2007-09-09 08:39:16 · answer #8 · answered by favorite_aunt24 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try, "Mommy has a new baby inside her."
2007-09-09 08:20:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just tell him he gets to be the big brother someday. Kids adapt.
2007-09-09 08:34:30 · answer #10 · answered by Adrian Wapkaplett 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋