STM+ Need soemm help (posted on May too - sorry if that's frowned upon)

nboland

Hello, need some help.  I posted on May board too (sorry if that's frowned upon) 

When I had my 2nd child, my 1st was only 20mos.  When I had my 3rd, my 1st had turned 3 yrs just days before & my 2nd was only 15mos.  So, they don't remember a time without each other, and it was a very easy transition bringing each new baby home.  However, here I am having my "surprise" baby #4.  My kids are now 8, 7 (girls) & almost 6 (boy).  We had a talk with them last weekend about their fears and concerns with the new baby coming.  I am hopeful that we helped ease their concerns.  I feel awful not realizing that they were scared about our family changing  

Here's my question - I would like to get each of them something special when baby is born (not just an ordinary toy).  I am more worried this time around that they will feel lost in the shuffle.  Any ideas?  There was a great idea from May about a special day with each, which I will do.  But, looking more for something the day of delivery.

Thank you!

JessHeppell

this is my first child, so i dont have that kind of experience, but one thing you could do is give them "big sibling packs" including things that they can each do with the new baby. you could always give them a book to read the baby, along with something that highlights one of their strong points/talents(such as music, art, sports and things of that nature) and hope that they will share that with the new baby.

mommalombardi

You could always get them a puppy

devyns2nd

You could get them a crafty thing to make for the baby or about the baby. Kids love decorating stuff and I've found that DD is starting to draw pics for her brother. She gets excited about making things. I think I just talked myself into doing this.

She's 5 btw and has five siblings over 13 so a baby is new for her.

klkonwi

Ha.... Kids are so spoiled these days. I remember I got a pez dispenser and pez candy when my sister was born and I thought it was the greatest thing in the world!

Frogger5

klkonwi said:

Ha.... Kids are so spoiled these days. I remember I got a pez dispenser and pez candy when my sister was born and I thought it was the greatest thing in the world!

I didn't get sh*t when my siblings were born! I really resented them, too. Maybe if my parents had bought me stuff to show me they still loved me, my relationship with them would be better now.

I kid! I think it's a fine idea, OP, but I don't have any suggestions.

Westypet

There's an adorable pic of my big brother staring at me through the NICU window with a huge wad of gum in his cheek. I think that was his present for becoming a big bro!

ElRuby

Have you looked into a personalized book? PB kids has a good selection where you personalize it just for them and there is also this website that creates books about kids who lose their name and go on an adventure to find it... It might be fun and special for them to have something like that...

For DS my husband plans to take him to build a bear to create something for himself and make one for his little sister... It will be his first experience there and I think he will love it!

Westypet

Omg cutest idea ever... A book where a kid loses his name?? Awww seriously with the feels today!

nboland

Thanks everyone. I think a special book just for them is a great idea.  I do this for each child every year on their bday (not personalized, but usually a heartfelt book), where I write a message inside the cover.