"Reading-weaning"?

[EmmaJane]

I have 2 DD's. The older is a little past 5 and LOVES having books read to her. Has loved it since she was maybe 6 months old. It's our main reconnect-snuggle-lovey time. Long session of reading before bed.

The younger is coming up on 17 months. Not terribly interested in books yet (except for Cat the Cat or anything with a MOOOOOOO somewhere). And, if she sees me sitting down, she comes running to nurse.

So: every time I'm sitting to read to DD1, DD2 comes running and wants to nurse... and she's just a bear while she's nursing. Kicking, writhing, specifically kicking the book out of my hands... it's really hard to just keep going in the story, and nearly impossible to hold a book so that DD1 and I can both see the pictures. It's REALLY annoying for both of us. And DD1 doesn't WANT me to be the one who puts her to bed if I have DD2.

I want to start saying "wait! wait until I'm done reading to your sister!" to DD1.

But how can I make that gentler to start with? DD2 is such a comfort nurser, and has as much patience as, well, a toddler... I'm so afraid of the screaming.

[TerrahMother]

Maybe a different nursing hold? The "football" hold where the head is toward your chest, and the feet are pointing away from the body, is a good one to keep "bear cub" nursing antics more out of the way.

Another tactic I've tried is to announce the activity and remind what is expected. "Reading time! Remember, no kicking the book. Mama has to hold the book so we can all read together. Remember, no kicking." I usually have to do this about five to seven times, and I revisit the "expectations" in short conversation throughout the day, so after about a week they get the idea.

Hope you find a peaceful solution.

[EmilyG]

I've had my older daughter hold a book and turn the pages when I tell her and I just sit next to her while reading and nursing younger dd. Older dd actually feels big and likes to be able to hold the book.

Another suggestion, could you put DD2 to bed first or have daddy entertain her while you ready to older DD? Sometimes that older one needs some one on one time each day and bedtime is an easy time to give it?

[D_McG]

Originally Posted by EmilyG

Another suggestion, could you put DD2 to bed first or have daddy entertain her while you ready to older DD? Sometimes that older one needs some one on one time each day and bedtime is an easy time to give it?

I would do that, if possible. It's probably nice for your older DD to have undivided attention anyway. If you are solo at bedtime then I'd eliminate the nursing at that time altogether. Only nurse in her in a specific place before bed (not where you read books) and just be consistent. She'll get it in no time.