And hey, that's OK. Take your time. While my first pregnancy was relatively easy, my second pregnancy completely sucked. I had almost every complication in the book, and learned that just because I had a pleasant pregnancy the first time around, didn't mean anything would be the same the second time. Trying to parent a child when you're pregnant is the goddamn worst. From first trimester nausea and exhaustion, to third trimester aches and pains, and everything in between, it's no simple task.
When I didn't have another child to care for, I could take naps and sleep in and worry only about myself. But with a child, I had to still be "on," even when I had my head in a toilet or my feet were swollen.
And if you have complications, like preeclampsia, that require bedrest , your parenting life will end up being even more complicated, too. So yeah, as excited as my daughter was to have a baby brother, she regressed the moment he was born.
I struggled to find a balance between caring for a newborn, recovering from childbirth , and giving her the attention she needed, which was at times felt absolutely impossible. Having two kids is exponentially more difficult than having just one. Just when you think you've figured things out, you'll face an entirely new challenge, like trying to feed a baby with a toddler climbing on you, or changing a diaper while your previously potty-trained toddler poops in the corner.
Then there's the fact that you now have to figure out who will watch your kid when you go into labor , how you will get them there, and how to get them to da care or school while you are in the hospital.
See also: how the heck are you going to take care of two kids once your baby is born. In some ways, though, I was a way better parent when my second child was born.
While I was inundated with another set of responsibilities, I was also way more relaxed. I figured out which things were important — keeping my kids alive,and taking care of my mental health — and which things weren't that important: pretty much everything else.
And thankfully, once your kids get a bit older they will start playing with and entertaining each other. And that , dear reader, is amazing. My children are incredibly different from each other. They were different as babies and, now, are completely different kids. My daughter fell asleep easily and woke up twice a night like clock work, but my son would only sleep if he was touching me.
The general consencus I have found obviously always exceptions to the rule is that 2 is hard work at the begining especially at certain stages when every one is adjusting to baby's new abilities eg when baby is mobile and can take toys , but later it is easier because they can entertain each other and your input doesn't have to be so intense.
I think a second child is amazing because they teach you so much, you think you know everything after your first but the second makes you a referee, they teach the first to share and care, can make your first be more independent because you just haven't enough hands.
The second also learns so fast due to the extra attention from first child. Also you suddenly see how much you have over pampered your first and how it probabley held them back a little when original you thought you did well. You let your second cry just that little longer than you would ever have done your first just time issues and your own increase immumity to the crying It's amazing what that extra minute does to them, they just learn so much quicker.
I think the first child is special every experience new and the bond cannot be match, but the second child is just amazing. It will be a joy. Search for a thread. Oh choose a present for baby together and get toddler a present from baby doesn't have to be much, mine just got a pear Treat baby as our new baby including toddlers as opposed to mums new baby.
So include toddler in everything that's done. Start refusing to carry toddler and make toddler sit beside you while reading a story instead of on your lap. That way when baby comes along she won't blame baby for not being carried or sitting on her spot during story - also you'll thank me when you're more heavily pregnant. Parenting advice Are 3 children harder than 2!!?? Parenting advice anyone 36 years old with 2 children and want another baby - am I too old? Parenting advice The difference between having 2 children and 3 children under 5 years old?
In answer to Man26jly. Its not bad, but you don't get much time for yourself. When dd2 was a baby when she slept, I devoted my time to dd1 and as dd2 got bigger I'd have 1 on either side of me with different activities, e. I also found it easier to get up and go out rather than staying in and thinking about housework. Brilliant suggestions from Manwah- when my second came along I realised the change of going from children is no where near as scary as going from because you have already adjusted your life to raise the first.
The second just fits in and our first was a breeze so I was really worried we couldn't be so lucky twice but our dd is a dream- sleeps hours at night from 14 weeks!
It is so true that the second just learns to fit in because you can't jump up as soon as she cries and you can;t rock her to sleep everynight etc etc. A lifesaver for us anyway. We have hardly had any jealousy but I have been really careful to make sure I have some quality time alone with both children each week with help of hubby and making sure your first feels included with looking after 'our' baby really helps too You will be absolutely fine and the children will love having each other to play with!
HI I already had a 7 yr old and a 2 yr old when my son was born. My son was a hard to deal with baby very very clingy and always in need of a cuddle and it didn't help that hubby decided to break his leg in 3 places 7 days b4 I gave birth, so I had him to deal with aswell It took me a few weeks to get into a routine that suited everyone but once that was sorted it was ok I started off using a double buggy but as time went on I moved to a single stroller and clip on side chair then onto a buggy board, I drive sothis was for local trips.
I think I expected to much from her and as a result I think I made her grow up to quickly and it's only now when I look back that I realise, my advice spend as much time playing with the eldest as u can when baby sleeps etc no matter how tired u get I wish I had Good luck with ur pregnancy and in the future.
The news is good if you have a sister though, as research shows, having a sister makes you a better person. Though if you ask us, parenting is always a bit of a lucky dip so who knows, you might just get lucky!
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