Transitions to come for my daughter?!?!?!

Shockley2be

   I am a single mother of my 6 year old daughter.  I have been in a relationship with my current guy for 2 years now and we just found out we are pregnant.  My guy doesnt live with us yet so there are many transitions to come for my daughter (who will be 7 when the new baby arrives).  Im a little nervous about all of the changes coming in her life.  But she is very excited and hoping for a baby sister.  She wants to share her room, feed the baby, play with the baby, and do everthing a big sister does.

I want to help her realize the changes coming without flipping her world upsidedown over night.  I want to do everything in my power to help her enjoy this and never feel left out. 

Has anyone else delt with this?

xmaryrickx

Can you start out the transition of moving the guy in slowly? Maybe have him spend weekends for a few months, and work up to him being there full time? 

Does she have to share a room? I know it sounds fun but lets face it babies are not exactly a barrel full of monkeys. They cry, have a lot of junk that gets in the way, can be rather smelly and take lots of naps (so dd would not be able to go in her room and play or get things etc). It's good she is excited. I would remember to take time to focus solely on her-no baby talk- and to balance that with including her in decisions about the baby. Talk about named, let her help pick paint colors or bedding, a favorite toy, cute outfits etc. 

Shockley2be

He does stay over often so that should help.  I told her we still have a while before the baby comes but maybe she could keep some toys and clothes in her room but becasue she needs her sleep for school the baby would have to sleep in my room at first.   I do think your right about no baby talk and when we do, it is important to include her in those things.  Thanks so much.  I was affraid i was so excited recently that i might have talked too much baby.  I will definately start watching that, I dont want to lose sight of my girl right infront of me.

 

FutureMrsWittig

My SD was 7 when we found out we were pregnant with my DD.  She was also very excited, volunteered to share her room, etc...

We told her we would answer her questions as she had them (she asked very few), let her help pick the nursery set, etc.. and as she came up with names we would write them on post its and hang them on the wall (we all 3 did this). 

My DD is a year old now and SD is the best big sister.  She loves her wholeheartedly.  It's been a great experience.

angelamaster1986

I would suggest to just be aware of her feelings about having your guy around more. Build her up to more time around him and then ask her permission to allow him to move in. When it comes to the baby, when it does arrive, designate you and DD time so she can still get her attention too.