s/o fears of baby #2

Dani3679

When I was putting Ryleigh to bed before she asked "when I have a brother or sister are they going to get more attention than me?" It just about made me cry! I thought it was very ironic she asked this after I just expressed some of my fears last night. I explained to her that the baby will NEED help with more things, that she is a big girl now and can feed herself and use the restroom herself and the baby will need our help with all these things and it might seem like they are getting more attention. I told her that she'll always be my girl and I'll always love her. sorry for the novel again, but it really struck a chord with me! (sorry for the formatting, I'm on my phone!)

KristenBtobe

Aw, Ry. It's good that she's asking and not keeping those feelings inside. I don't have any experience with this, but I'd guess making sure she feels included in helping with the baby will be important, as will making sure you two continue having special time together. She'll be a great big sister!

hav2run

It is great to start the dialogue now.  And perfect that she is open to hearing you.  It will be ok.  Let her know that she is very special to you and the baby won't change that.  Keep her included in everything. 

sistrkate

Aw, I'm sure she is worried that she's losing some of her connection to you.  I'm glad she felt like she could ask you that and I think you did a great job of telling her how things would be different.  I'm sure it will turn out great, you're a wonderful momma and she will love having a sibling.

Traycee1242

I remember having a similar conversation with my Mom before my sister was born (I was 7.5 when she was born) and ALL that changed the minute she was born. I was obsessed with her and she was like my baby.. Bet she will just adore this baby and find herself playing little mother : )

adamsbabble

I had a similar conversation with Ava when I was pregnant this last time.  Although she is used to having a sibling, she was only a year and a half old when we had Charlotte, and Charlotte is a big girl now, so I doubted that Ava remembered what it was like having a newborn around.  I just wanted to talk to her about how babies are different from big girls and how they need a lot of attention because they can't do things on their own, but that even if I was really busy with the new baby I would always do my best to make time for her and Charlotte too, and that I love them so much, etc. etc. etc.  I asked her if she had any questions and she said "Ummmm... Yes."  I said "What?  You can ask me anything."  And she said "Can you take my booger?"  LOL.  All of that is just to say that I think the things we think are going to dramatically affect them really aren't as big of a deal as we think.  Yes, it's a big change, but the positive far outweighs the negative.  Even though Ryleigh is thinking about this and asking questions, I think that is a positive thing because she realizes that things are going to change but she isn't necessarily afraid/upset about it and she knows that she can talk to you.  I think you handled it perfectly and she is probably feeling really reassured.  And I agree with Traycee.  I think she'll love her role as big sister.