I've recently realized this will be a big year for my 5 year old. He'll be getting a new sibling in November, his little brother will be moving into his room so the new baby will get little brothers room and 5 year old will be starting school this year. Since he never went to pre-school I'm a bit worried that this will all be a bit overwhelming for him and I'd like to figure out the best way to help him handle these changes. I can't do anything about the due date or the school date, but I can fix when little brother will join him in his bed room. Any suggestions on when to start this change? Should I do it before the baby so I don't have to worry about this transition and a newborn as well? Or should I wait since the new baby won't even be sleeping in the crib until he/she's at least a couple months old?
Re: How to help my 5 year old adjust?
I'd move the kids in together now. They'll have the summer to figure out how to sleep and share the room.
Has he gone to a daycare away from you before or has he always been at home with you? If he has gone to daycare, I wouldn't worry about the K transition much. If he hasn't, can you look into some day camps this summer so he can spend a whole week away from you? I think that will be the hardest part of any of the transitions if he hasn't been away from you on a school-type schedule, but kids are resilient and often will surprise you. If he's ready for K, he might just do great and you won't have to worry.
...baby #3 is here...
We're not redecorating the room, but we've got a trundle bed so they'll both have their own. I think it'll be better if we start sooner as well.
I really like the sound of those school programs you mentioned. We're actually trying to get our 5 year old into the school of choice program and haven't heard if he's been accepted yet, but I'll definitely ask about any pre school-year programs they have available.
This was really informative, thank you.
Hi Kelly, that's entirely possible. I've lurked around the bump and the nest for years though I don't have a ton of posts to show for it