home   |   about us   |   articles   |   Q&A   |   forum   |   helplines   |   advertising   |   links   |   contact us
PREPARING TODDLER FOR NEW BABY
Question

Dear Claire

I have a two and a half year old little girl.  I am currently pregnant with my second child.  I have explained to my little girl that mommy has a baby in her tummy. She comes to all my scans as I believe she needs to be involved as much as possible.  

She is now going through a phase of not letting anyone within ten feet of me.  My maid who has been with me since before she was born is not allowed anywhere near me or her.  She  becomes hysterical.  Her favourite saying at the moment is "MY MOMMY"

She is currently at play school and thank goodness I have not experienced any problems there.  She is happy for me to leave her at play school as I assure her each and every morning that mommy will be back later to fetch her.

I assure her all the time that I love her and that mommy is going nowhere.  

Do you by any chance have any words of advice for me?

 

Question

Question

Thank you for your email and congratulations on your baby. I understand how concerned you are feeling. 

It appears your daughter is displaying some anxiety, especially with not wanting to share you which can be in anticipation of the new baby. She has begun to realise that her world as she knows it is changing, and that not all the focus is on her anymore. This is making her feel insecure as she would rather not go through these changes and share her mother who has been solely dedicated to her. To paint a picture of how she is feeling it's a bit like your husband saying he's bringing home a new wife in a few months and you should be very excited about it, when you have no control or say in his decision.  

While I agree that you want your daughter to be involved in planning for the new baby, as she is still very young I would recommend that you don't take her to every scan and try not to talk too much about the new baby in front of her, but rather keep the focus on her. Continue with her usual routine and reassure her that you love her and that she will always be your first baby and no baby can take her place.  

Take your cues from her. If she asks questions about the baby or wants to help decorate the baby's room encourage her by letting her choose some toys, clothes and a special gift for the baby. Also ensure you have gifts to give her from the baby. She will look forward to visiting you and the baby in hospital if she receives a small gift from the baby everyday you are there.

She will need more of your attention as the birth approaches and especially when the baby arrives. Arrange with family members and your maid to be available so you can hand them your baby when you need to focus on your daughter. By keeping your attention on her she will soon adopt the big sister role and be keen to help with the baby.  

Good luck with the birth and let me know how you all are doing.        

Question


Ask Claire
   Discipline
   Discipline
   Privacy
   Bully
   ANGRY SONS
   GRANDSONS
   BULLYING
   SHY SON
Copyright © 2008 by Claire Marketos. All rights reserved.
No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including copying to other web sites, and including translations), without written permission from Claire Marketos.
powered by Genisys