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Before I can answer too much. I would like to know why you think your children are not happy about the new baby coming?
This late in the pregnancy they are aware of many changes. The house, your body, and your energy level are all changing. Once the baby arrives there will be still more changes. What you are sensing as not wanting the baby is most likely them dealing with all the changes taking place. Be careful about the cause you give to your children's behavior. Unless your child has said "I am really unhappy about the new baby," you can't know it is the baby they are unhappy about.
The best thing to do when a new baby is coming is to give your children as much information about what to expect when the baby arrives. Tell them you are going to have to spend a lot of time taking care of the baby, explain how little a baby can do. Get out pictures of them when they were little and talk about what they were like as a baby and that the new baby will be the same. I also feel it is very important to let them know it is okay to feel upset and frustrated about how much things have to changes. Tell your children to let you know when they are feeling overwelmed. Give them a special trinket that they can use a a signal for when they are in need of help. Pick something that is small enough to fit in a pocket but large enough not to be a choking hazard. Make it something beautiful and special. Give it to your child like it is a secret. When they need help they can put it in your hand you will know to stop and find some time to be there for them. Be sure to let them know it can only used when it is really important because the magic will stop working if they bring it to you too often. Your 4 year old will probably love this, the two year old may or may not.
Congratulations on the new baby! Usually going from 2 to 3 is a walk in the park. You have done new baby, you have done more than one, for the most part you get the just enjoy #3. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Patience Bleskan, MA
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