Parents have come to me asking about transitioning to baby number two. Those that are anticipating baby number two are less worried about what the baby's room looks like, whether they will have enough diapers or even how labor and delivery will go. The worries tend to focus around how to manage caring for an
infant and an older child. They worry about how to manage the schedule; how their older child will react to the baby; and how they will have enough energy to meet the needs of each child, not to mention yourself or your partner. (and, on less sleep).
Here are some things you can expect:
-Regressive behavior in your older child. Depending on the age of your older hild/children, they may regress in order to vie for some of your attention. There may be regression around sleep, potty training and general behavior. But, don't worry - this too shall pass!
-You will remember how to take care of a newborn. You will be more relaxed this time around making it easier to handle both children.
-There will be moments when you want to quit your day job and moments that remind you why you love your job!
-It will seem impossible to leave the house with two kids, but you will do it more than you expect for the sake of your older child
(and your own sanity).
-You and your partner will have to work harder to make time for each other and adult conversations. (Don't expect that to happen right away).
-Your older child may want to send the baby back.
-You will be tired and your older child will show you no empathy.
-The first few months are an adjustment period for the whole amily and you will make it through!
Stay tuned for ways to ease this transition, manage some of these challenges and maximize the pleasurable moments.
infant and an older child. They worry about how to manage the schedule; how their older child will react to the baby; and how they will have enough energy to meet the needs of each child, not to mention yourself or your partner. (and, on less sleep).
Here are some things you can expect:
-Regressive behavior in your older child. Depending on the age of your older hild/children, they may regress in order to vie for some of your attention. There may be regression around sleep, potty training and general behavior. But, don't worry - this too shall pass!
-You will remember how to take care of a newborn. You will be more relaxed this time around making it easier to handle both children.
-There will be moments when you want to quit your day job and moments that remind you why you love your job!
-It will seem impossible to leave the house with two kids, but you will do it more than you expect for the sake of your older child
(and your own sanity).
-You and your partner will have to work harder to make time for each other and adult conversations. (Don't expect that to happen right away).
-Your older child may want to send the baby back.
-You will be tired and your older child will show you no empathy.
-The first few months are an adjustment period for the whole amily and you will make it through!
Stay tuned for ways to ease this transition, manage some of these challenges and maximize the pleasurable moments.
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