We’re expecting baby girl #2 in April and our 3yo daughter Safia is very excited. But I don’t think she fully grasps the reality of what is to come. Her friend also had a baby sister 11 months ago, so she’s seen second hand what a new addition means to a family. So far we’re role-playing with her dolls. Safia loves to be the mom to these dolls and will occasionally tell me it’s my baby. She has shown great interest in babies that she’s played with so i’m very hopeful that the change will be a good one. I’ve heard that the first month for her may be the ‘Honeymoon Period’, then it may turn sour and some resentment may begin. I’m very open and accepting of what Safia may feel. i decided to just deal with what will be a natural reaction for her age.
I expect some rivalry eventually. And I know I can’t predict what she’ll feel until it actually happens. Does anyone have any words of advice about introducing a new baby to their sibling? Was the experience surprising for you or did you have it in control? I could use some reassurance that age 3 is a good one to have a new baby.
Its out of my field, but I think you are worrying to much. Just pay enough attention to your older daughter aswell, and she wont feel neglected I think.
3 years old, she s starting to discover the world, and young kids learn really fast and adapt easily to new environments.
InshaALlah everything will work out just prime :)
saimanyc: CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Don’t do a single thing. Just go with the flow. I have three boys
And they all are spaced evenly 14 months apart.
With #2 coming #1 had no issues. With #3 popping out WWIII broke out and mind you it was over the fact that they didnt wanna leave the hospital (my mistake I took them to meet their mama and vist their brother). My sister who is back home in PK told me an old wives tale telling me to show the older kids the babies feet first (i dont believe in that crap, but figured might as well share with you).
Either case they all adjusted just fine, You have to keep an eye on the kids 'casue sometimes jealousy makes them do mean things, like my #2 tried to poke #3 eyes a number of times. #3 also gets kicked a lot by #1 and #2, but he is getting used to being the punching bag and now takes the punches with a smile.
I have heard that girls adapt to babies better than boys (my boys are rough). When we brought #3 home #1 who was turning three actually helped mamaof3 with feeding the baby.
There is also a picture book that you can get thats show your kid to get her used to the idea that another person is going to be coming soon to the theatre near her.
You can also have you kid touch your tummy when you have contraptions and explain that it is a baby. But now we are getting into girlie stuff and I am already blushing. Good Luck.
try to involve her as much as you can when the new baby arrives. Small things like helping you or your husband with looking after the baby, make her feel important by giving her responsibilities like helping out with bath time and nappy time. Make her feel that being an older sister is a big responsibilty and she'l have so much fun helping to look after her younger sibling. I would'nt really mention playing with the baby much as sometimes that backfires, as you well know, newborns don't play much.
I remember when my younger sister came home from the hospital, i was 3, i tried to sell her to the next door neighbour for a fiver!
^^ hey you have a younger sister. if she is not in love with her history teacher hook me up. My wife left me. She got disgusted by the amount of time I was spending on GS. So I am free and single once again.
