Help!

JoJoMom6

We brought our new little one home almost 6 weeks ago and my 20 month old (Ava) is having a very difficult time.

No matter how much attention I give her, whenever it comes time for me to take care of the baby, she freaks out. Throws a temper tantrum on the floor and it takes a long time for her to calm down. If she isn't throwing a tantrum, she is getting into things she knows she shouldn't, like the fridge.

Yesterday, she had a fit in the car upon waking. I have never seen her so upset. She was screaming at the top of her lungs and even starting pulling out chunks of her hair.

I feel terrible and guilty that she is going through this. Does anyone have any ideas of ways I can help her get through this? I know one of the problems is that she is overly tired. In the past couple weeks, she has decided to wake up at 5 am instead of 7 am. I am keeping her nap and bedtime consistent and hoping that she goes back to her normal waking time. Not really sure what to do about that either.

Pretty much, I am at a loss! Would love some help.

jerseymom98

Probable just a phase, my 21 month old does know that when i grab the pillow he can't have my attention the way he wants and starts at times to have a cow, but usually doesn't last long. sometimes i time it to start when he is occupied playing; when to pump or bf ds2. From my experience, ds1 does this sometimes and then stops and doesn't do it. ds1 is nowing helping me with feeding ds2 baby food etc.

moonfaerie

I don't have any advice about stopping tantrums, but maybe you can put extra gates to keep her away from things she shouldn't be doing. Like to keep her out of the kitchen. Good luck, I hope this phase passes quickly as she adjusts to the baby.

SmokyMtnMom

The only thing I could think of is to involve your older child in helping with the baby more then maybe she won't feel so threatened.