Are you about to have your second baby? While it’s true that every toddler struggles to some extent with a new baby around, you can do a lot to help your older tot at this time. Follow these tips to make life with 2 young children a whole lot easier.
Firstly is the importance of managing your expectations. There is not a toddler alive who is going to feel completely happy about life with a new baby. Mixed feelings are the order of the day: excitement meets jealousy meets babyish behavior. You can minimise jealousy, but not totally eradicate it.
Go softly, softly when it comes to discussing the new arrival. Talk about the baby (What toys do you think the baby will play with? etc) – but not every day.Observe any signs of confusion in your toddler’s face and change the subject if necessary.
Sit down and plan those practical things that will need changing around your home, and what will directly affect your toddler. Do the bedrooms need changing around? Where will the new nursery go – or will your children share a room? Make any changes such as childcare arrangements early on so your toddler is not having to cope with too many changes at once.
Don’t forget to buy a gift from the baby for your toddler, and ask your toddler if he would like to choose a gift for the newborn (if he says no, leave the subject but get one anyway) . It’s a good idea to make the baby-to-toddler present something like a coloring book or puzzle that he can do during the (possibly emotionally fraught) first meeting.
The last and most important tip is to think now of some ways you can treat your toddler once the baby arrives. This does not mean bribing her with candy all the time – - even five minutes alone with you while the baby sleeps is priceless to your older child. Can a friend or relative take your toddler out for an hour to play football? There is also nothing wrong with a special DVD while you feed the baby or have a sneaky nap yourself!
Do you need more toddler and newborn tips? go to toddler advice and claim your complimentary ebook. For more great suggestions about nursery decoration, visit Bo Baby’s Internet shop today.
