Hi all,
Most of you know that I’m gonna have a baby soon, InshAllah. My sister will be coming to stay with me to help out soon and she’s bringing my 4 year old niece whom I’m really looking forward to see. I was just talking to my sister today and she told me that her daughter feels very jealous if her mummy holds or plays with another baby! She also said she might hit my baby if she doesn’t like everyone giving attention to him.
I was just wondering what is the correct way to handle the situation? I don’t want my niece to feel left out or feel angry towards my baby…Is there a way to try to make her like the baby?? I hope you all mummies and daddies will give a good advice and tips. Thanks
Hi CA... my 4 year old is really excited about the new baby (which is in my tummy).... yeah, she used to be jealous of other babies around a year ago when I would hold them, but I started getting her involved, making her sit with me... touch the baby's feet and arms, fingers and let her play with the baby.... she has improved so much mashaAllah.
The trick is to talk to them about a baby coming, get them mentally prepared and excited, and to involve them with the baby when he/she finally arrives...... I think it works on siblings as well as cousins. She can be your little helper instead of sitting on the sideline watching you do all baby chores...... just make sure that you get her involved, ask her to bring diapers, help change the baby, etc.
Thanks MIAinVA....my sister is already trying to get her prepared to see the new baby cousin. She was kind of dissapointed when she was told it will be a boy though...lol! I was just thinking about what to tell her before baby comes, I don't want to tell her that she'll have a new baby to play with because she'll not be too happy when she finds out that all newborns do is cry, feed, poop and sleep and more cry! That's not going to be exciting na....!! :-( BTW, I like your point about getting the kid involved when I'm taking care of the baby..
get her to help u out.. make her feel special by including her in activities u do with the baby.. even if it means just watching. Maybe she can pass u the nappy bags or the wipes.. get her to count them out for u... make her feel like a real grown up who is really needed... she'll love u and the baby :)
CA, I do have more tips I have been preparing my daughter for either a boy or a girl, she wanted a sister and she said it very openly that I don’t want a brother… so I was like oh no, what will I do if its a boy so I had an idea… my daughter loves “Max and Ruby” cartoons (I dont know if you’re familiar with them, they’re about these bunny siblings, sister is older than the brother and takes good care of him).
So I told her see if you have a baby brother, you can be just like Ruby and take care of your little brother and stop him from doing naughty things and she apparently loved the idea… now she’s all prepared for either a brother or a sister and looks forward to changing diapers and singing lullabies to the baby. I’m planning on breastfeeding but I’ll probably pump some also to give her the opportunity of feeding the baby
If your niece watches Max & Ruby, you can tell her she will be just like Ruby
Don’t fret too much, she will probably get used to being around the baby but do make sure you & your sister give her a lot of attention, sometimes kids feel neglected when all the attention gets transferred to the new baby.
Lots of wishes and congrats on your baby, by the way
I have been preparing my daughter for either a boy or a girl, she wanted a sister and she said it very openly that I don’t want a brother… so I was like oh no, what will I do if its a boy so I had an idea… my daughter loves “Max and Ruby” cartoons (I dont know if you’re familiar with them, they’re about these bunny siblings, sister is older than the brother and takes good care of him).