You’ve brought your lovely new baby home from the hospital, and you eagerly show them to your three-year-old, who pats the baby lovingly. Five minutes pass, and your older child says, “Give the baby back to the hospital and come play with me!”
Whether the new baby is your second or fifth child, the whole family will have to go through an adjustment phase. “Sibling rivalry is the natural, normal competition between brothers and sisters vying for their parents’ love and affection. It exists in every family to some degree,” says Dr. Spock, the eldest of six children.
I am sure you have heard all the warnings about how tired you will be with a newborn baby. You have probably had a few people make jokes about how you won’t sleep until they are 18! As funny as they think they are, these tidbits of wisdom are certainly not helpful as you anticipate life with your new baby.
Toddlerhood is a developmental stage full of immeasurable joy. During this time, we see our little ones gaining a sense of autonomy. “Me do it!” is a common phrase we hear as toddlers express their desire to do things independently. They start exploring their environment while verbally and physically expressing their needs, wants, and desires. It's magical to watch them begin forming their own little identities. A very normal, yet often triggering part of this stage is the protesting. Their favorite word suddenly becomes “no” and, of course, the tantrums. You may be wondering why these even occur? How do we stop them?
It’s no secret just how much space baby gear can take up in your home. Starting from the newborn stage of cribs to swings, clothing, toys, gifts from friends and relatives, and everything in between, even the largest of spaces can fill up quickly. Add in all the new items continuously being brought in throughout different phases as your child's interests change and, before you know it, your home can easily be taken over by everything baby.
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