My DD is 2yrs 5mo and we just had DD #2 4 weeks ago. #1 was originally very excited and helpful, but is recently acting very aggressively towards both the baby and myself/DH. Even the dogs are suffering the wrath of her jealousy!
We have been very good about making things extra special for her. I SAH and DH had 3 weeks off work, so one of us was always available to give her one-on-one attention. However, as soon as I sit down to hold or feed the baby, she starts to act out. We have been consistently talking with her about how it makes us sad when she hurts someone in our family and have been giving time outs. I also talk to her a lot about how I know it's hard when mommy is with the baby, but that she isn't allowed to hurt people when she is upset. I've also tried giving her special activities when I am about to sit down with the baby (play doh, crayons, puzzles, etc.)
I was a kindergarten teacher before I had her and have never had problems solving behavioral issues, so this is just pushing me over the edge bc I don't know what else to do to solve it. I feel badly bc I know she is acting out bc she is feeling jealousy (and probably betrayal) for the first time, but I am also frustrated that nothing is working with her. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Seeking toddler aggression advice
Do you try to give her a little warning ahead of time before you'll need to sit down and feed the baby? Something along the lines of "Mommy needs to feed the baby soon. What would you like to do while she eats, X or Y?"
Since it's so
I think you are on the right track with giving her special things to do while you feed the baby. Another thing you could try is reading to your daughter while feeding, DD really enjoys when I do that.
What about spending time just th