Getting Ready For The New Arrival

[Nichevo]

We are expecting our second child in about a month and a half. I am wondering how, for those dads with more than one, things changed when the new child arrived. Did anything unexpected occur? Our daughter is 3, is there anything I should be aware of in relation to her and her soon to arrive sibling? Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions would be appreciated.

[joey791]

You just need to be careful. Your 3 year old will be very interested in the new baby and shes 3 so that is the main concern. You may get some moodiness from your 3 year old because all yall attention has been focused on her, now with the new baby yall will have to really focus on the baby. It can be done, it will take some work, congrats on the new baby coming.

[anne+arun]

congrats on your pending new child! Actually i just realized that theyve probably been born right?

Our daughter was 4 when our son was born. Myself and my dp both worked from home so i was very on deck but it was still hard for her to adjust.

She swung between being really happy about being a big sister to of course feeling left out and particularly missing mummy time.

Around that time a neighbour gave us a pet mouse which our daughter really bonded with. 3 might be too young for this but it is worth looking at how the older child can reflect the nurturing that you will be modeling with the new bub.

For me the main thing was at melt down moments to try to be compassionate for what she was going through. Imagine if your wife suddenly came home with another husband and said she was going to share her time between you... thats sort of what your oldest is facing.

Lots of cuddles. Lots of patience. Lots of understanding... can be challenging when you are not getting lots of sleep.

all the best
arun

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http://www.theparentingpit.com

[tammyswanson]

Congrats on your new baby!