Siblings

Hi all :) my gorgeous little girl arrived late Feb and completed our family of 4 :) I already have my 3 year old little girl, and she is completely obsessed with our new arrival, but as expected, her emotions have been off the scale and I’m just a bit lost as to how to handle this? I expected her to find it difficult to transition from being an only child, but it’s now at the point where she has a meltdown whenever we tell her no. These meltdowns can last up to an hour, she’ll scream and sob and refuse any contact from us. Whether we ignore that behaviour, or sit with her and help her through it, nothing seems to help? She refuses hugs, and questioning her emotions/ distractions just seems to fuel them. I thinking I’m just needing some reassurance- I feel so lonely and I really don’t know how I’ll manage this when my other half returns back to work! X

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Hey! I have a 11 day old and a 2 year old. I am going through exactly the same with my son at the moment. Yesterday his tantrums were like he was literally possessed.. he was screaming and shaking over the littlest things! I’m not sure how to handle it all at the moment but just so you know that you’re not alone! I am terrified for my partner to go back to work! No idea logistically how I’m going to be able to do it on my own!

Hi, totally know where you’re coming from, my little one is 3 and the first week or so was pretty rough. He would have some extreme meltdowns and be inconsolable, which has been heartbreaking to watch! All we have done is remain calm, got to his level, validated his emotion and offered comfort when he was ready, which I know is really hard and we haven’t got it right each time. It’s been an emotional struggle, I think I’ve cried more than him 😅 Just give yourself grace because it is so so hard adjusting and know you are doing your absolute best ❤️ it is getting better now and my little boy is showing more interest in his brother organically so we follow his lead with it. I’m like you though and worried what it will be like when my partner goes back to work but I know we’ll get into a routine xxx

Somethings I found helped with my kiddos: - a backpack gift: gift from baby to older sibling, I included some new activities, a toy/stuffed animal, a book, a letter from baby and a sibling photo album. Can include some snacks etc. - one on one time with my older ones when little one is sleeping even if it means chores get left for now. We have cuddles, dance, do other activities, sometimes we just chill out have some snacks & watch a movie - got them involved around baby, showing them how to be gentle and explaining that baby needs lots of help and love at the moment - if baby is just waking up and kind of fussing a little bit but I’m right in the middle of something with my toddler i try to (where possible) not just stop and attend baby straight away. And I avoid saying things like “oh I have to get baby/not now baby is crying etc - I try to keep positive and get them excited around baby too

Saying things like: “Ohh your sister is awake! Should we go check her?” “She’s looking at you, can you say hi baby!” I do sometimes narrate what I’m doing and give them offers or choices for independence. “I’m just going to change baby, but what would you like to do?” I validate their emotions, try to stay calm and I try to stick to their routine. I have an almost 3yo, almost 2yo and my baby will be 3wks on Monday This is my 3yo and whenever I’m feeding her he always asks “can I blow a kiss” and gives her kisses The 2yo rubs her hair and says “gentle” everytime his hand touches her

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