I think this picture accurately depicts what I imagine life will be like after Spike is born.
All hands on deck!
I am firm believer in creating sibling bonds as early as possible. I want my children to "lay claim" to this baby...not feel like they can't come near him, touch him, or hold him. I immediately let Hunter hold Graysen (yes, on his own!) when she was born, and I intend for the same to happen with Spike. No, I don't want my (sometimes clumsy) children carrying him across the house during the first month of his life, but they are going to be able to hold him, kiss him, touch him, dress him, etc. whenever they want!!!
How have you encouraged your children to bond with their new siblings?
6 comments:
Pretty much the same way you did. Babies are tough, and like you said, I don't want them carrying them across the house, but I will let them hold them, kiss them, help when they can. I will hardly ever tell them to step back or not to touch because I don't want them to think they are not a huge part of all of this! :)
I wanted Blake there the day we delivered and made sure that the friend who was brining him told him all about being a big brother just like I had done the whole 9 months. Watching Blake see his little brother is a moment that will forever be forgotten. I can't wait to see all the pictures of all the kids holding Spike and helping care for him :)
Well... it started minutes after Abby and Darby were born! Their big sister(s) held the new sister. Up on the bed with mommy and every 5 minutes for 30 seconds or 5 minutes - whatever they wanted! We still have days were the big sister wants to hold the little sister (even though the little sisters almost weigh the same as the big sisters ;o).
I allow as many hugs and kisses as they want to give and they get to pick out the clothes and towels and rags and diapers and wipes and burp rags and blankies that they want.
I don't want the big sister(s) to feel left out. But I do have to remind them sometimes that they get their one on one time and had their years alone before the baby arrived and there are times when just mommy needs to give the baby attention - for example after shots and the baby is a bit fussy, when the baby is wanting to be held all day, when the baby is fussy just because she wants a fussy day ;o)
Gotta make time for all the kiddos and while I want them all to have all of my attention... sometimes it has to be shared and they are all still ok.
Just like when Libby was sick - she got more attention then the other 2 for awhile!
*Sorry I wrote a book :o)*
We are very hands on here as well! Love watching my kiddo's bond with their newest sibling! We also bring our kiddo's in right after baby is born before the rest of the family comes in to give us all time to bond as a family =)
You are so close!! I can't wait for pictures :)
My first thought of that picture is about 8 hands, all trying to grab the baby first! That will be a well-touched baby! I think Daniel treats Elsa like a pet, or he did for the first year of her life. He is starting to realize she is a human finally!
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