Expecting baby #2 is taking a toll on DD

auburnbride2be

I know it is totally normal, but I wasn't expecting to see things happening now. I kinda thought it would be an issue after baby comes. I feel like I'm losing her and I don't know how to make it better. She is acting babyish and just not herself. I know this is a huge transition for her and to top it off she changed schools for prek about 2 months ago too. I just want words of wisdom, advice and shared experiences of others. DD turned 4 in July and baby is due in about 7 weeks. 

LoCarb

Are you giving her attention when she acts like a baby?  Occasionally, DD1 will do this and I express I don't like the baby behavior and ignore her until she acts her age.

I had problems w/ DD sleeping in her bed when the baby was born. We talked about the differences btwn big girls and babies (cribs, no tv, cannot eat certain foods, go down a slide,etc...).  I asked her to choose if she wanted to be a big girl or a baby and each time she chose a big girl.  You can always try this conversation.

To help prepare for the NB's arrivial, I would buy her a new baby doll w/ accessories (crib, high chair, stroller) and explain how she's going to be a big sister and encourage her to be a mommy's helper.  She can practice with her baby dolls. My DD always wanted to help by handing me a diaper or holding the bottle. It was really sweet and I bet it's in your daughters nature too.

Angela814

DD1 was 4y2m when her sister was born. I don't remember any problems with babyish behavior, but she did decide that she didn't always have to listen to me for a while. That was fun trying to chase after her at 8 months pg.

Throughout my pregnancy I made an effort to keep DD1 involved. She was super excited about being a big sister, so we talked a lot about her baby sister and how she could help with the baby. I asked for her input on baby names; she even helped me convince DH to name DD2 Charlotte. I guess I made it out like this was her baby too. Things haven't always been smooth, but overall she's such a great helper.