my youngest son will be turning 2 yrs old on 1-1...I also have a 3 yr.old..what are some ideas that I can try...so my 3 yr old doesn't feel left out..my family said buy them equal amount of gifts...But it's not my 3 yr old B-day..we are taking my kids and a few other kids to a place called Discovery Zone...it has lots of fun things for kids to do..and having the cake etc at this place..but what about the gift idea? I feel stuck because at 3 does he really understand that it's not his b-day...ohhh pls help :)
2007-12-23 07:58:13 · 11 answers · asked by ~Jenny~ 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Wrap a present for your 3yr old and tell him it's from his brother, explain that it's not his birthday, this is just a special present for being a big brother.
2007-12-23 08:02:22 · answer #1 · answered by farmgirl 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Don't do anything. He is old enough to understand it is not his birthday. He will still be able to enjoy Discovery Zone and the cake so it will be a fun day for him too. No need to spoil the 3 year old just because the 2 year old has a birthday. Then you have to buy the 2 year old a present when your 3 year old has a birthday - bad habit to start. Kids have to learn that life is not always about them.
2007-12-23 08:57:51 · answer #2 · answered by Rob 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my child was at the toddler age, I used to make up goodie baggies for all of the children at the party. It just contained party favors (age appropriate of course) and a few pieces of candy. This way none of the children felt left out since it was not their birthday either.
I would not buy gifts for the 3 year old just to appease the child. If you start this now, the children will expect it for the rest of their lives, and it will be harder to break the habit once they get older. Talk to the child about the party and gifts and explain it to him/her that it is the other child's birthday. Also tell him/her that when his/her birthday does come around, the other one will not get any gifts as well since it will be that one's special day. As the birthday gets closer, gently remind the 3 year old about your talk each day. Your 3 year old might have a small fit on that day or he/she might surprise you and act wonderfully.
2007-12-23 08:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by bluelights 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Stuart. Terrible twos or not, by 3 the older child should be ready to understand big-boy / big-girl behaviors better. Spoiling the older will only cause you more trouble down the line.
Not trying to make this an boys against the girls issue, but there IS such a thing as too much coddling. Don't be afraid of your child. And don't be afraid of his/her tears. Build this into a chance for him/her to be a big-boy or big-girl and help you out. Maybe have the older one help you pick some decoration for the cake, or something like that.
2007-12-23 08:16:26 · answer #4 · answered by kindom_2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The 3 year old will have his own birthday later in the year. As a parent, your job is to help him understand that. That's a lot of what parenting is about - helping your youngsters understand the world around them.
Start building up the party for his younger brother, and see if you can get him to "help" with party. Once he gets the idea that this is for his brother, he'll be on board with you.
2007-12-23 08:03:53 · answer #5 · answered by Stuart 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't buy your 3 year old gifts just because he might feel left out on the other childs birthday. Explain that it's not his birthday... and when it is he will get his own gifts.
2007-12-23 08:01:34 · answer #6 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with farmgirl. This is something I always do for older siblings of the birthday kid who are still preschoolers- get them a small gift for being a great older sibling. It can't be cool to not even remember having the attention to oneself. It's always better to prevent tantrums/tragedy/hard feelings in one so young.
2007-12-23 08:08:04 · answer #7 · answered by PontificalPape 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You could buy him one present and tell him that even though its not his special day he gets a present for being a good brother. Also focus on his day, just say your birthday will be coming up soon and you will get lots of present too. That usually works with my kids then they get excited for their day.
2007-12-23 09:23:58 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would not get him anything. He needs to understand that it is his brothers special day and later in the year it will be his special day and he will get gifts and everything.
2007-12-23 08:11:35 · answer #9 · answered by Michelle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
y dont you try letting tghem pass out the presents and hiding a present in there for them and telling them it's from the bithday boy/ or girl? it worked in my family
2007-12-23 08:13:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋