[marrymeflyfree]

Hi all..

My daughter will be about 15 months when our second is born, and I'm starting to feel a little mom-guilt about how she will react to the new baby. I'm not really sure where she'll be developmentally at that point, so I have no ideas about how to prepare her or what to expect.

We have been making conscious efforts to get her more attached to dad lately, hoping that this will help when my time will be consumed by the newborn. He's home a LOT and she is very attached, so I think this will help. I'd love to get her exposed to small babies more, but the only very young one we know (my new nephew) lives far away.

Any thoughts? On one hand, I think it could be easier in the long run because kids are so adaptable when they're very young...but on the other hand, I worry a bit about what it will be like for her to suddenly have this new, mommy-consuming person around.

 

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

My son was 14 months old when DS2 was born. Im not gonna lie, it was emotional for me the first time he pushed me away and went for his father. (pretty much the first night I was home from the hosp) But we all got over it very fast because we HAD to. I was hoping he would get some baby exposure at daycare, since he was still in the baby room at the time, but alas, no new babies ever came along.

It was a little tense for about a week. Maybe LESS. Seriously, they are so adaptable at this young an age, it really wasnt that hard at all. Now he doesnt even remember what it was like in the house before DS2 was born. He gives his brother hugs and kisses, rubs his head, helps me burp him, its really cute. I also make sure to give him just as much attention as DS2. I am sure you can imagine how exhausting that is, since DS2 is ALMOST a high needs baby (hes on the cusp) but my boys are so worth it, I dont really give it a second thought. Lots of love, lots of kisses, and I tell him I love him about 800 times a day. It also helps to have DH hold DS2 for atleast an hour a day so I can focus 100% on DS1, just some mommy and charlie time. Its been working for us. Good Luck and congrats on the new LO!

 

[EmilyVorpe]

Our 2nd and 3rd kiddos are one year, 6 days apart.

We had a lot of kisses and hugs and not holding the baby during the times she was used to it being about her. We did keep the baby in the room with us at all times so that she got used to her but she preferred for us not to hold her while we loving with her. She was fine after 2 weeks or so, but 11 months later, still has a little bit of jealousy with her daddy holding her lil sis. Most days they play together and have a grand ol' time, though.

And the only kiddos that I have that prefer me....just my son.

 

[ChaoticMum]

I had a 3yr old (who turned 3 five days before our 3rd was born) and a 16mth old - I had a TONNE of Mum guilt!!!!!!!!!!

It was an adjustment for us all and I had to make a concerted effort to spend time with each and every one of them.

Now, at 3.5, 5 and 6.5, yes the boys who are 16mths apart do have a bit of competition because the 5yr old IS more adept at certain things, yet some they are 'equal' so there is some tears there, and there is jealousy when one is played with 'more' according to the other's eyes, but I honestly see no difference in what goes on between my kids than what goes on between my friends kids who are 7, 5 and 2.5yr old twins....

I'm now facing a 4yr difference between my youngest and the babe - and am having the same freakout!

I'm having Mum guilt the OTHER way now tho as I'll hAVE more time to spend with this babe....