Does the first child get jealous of the new baby

Question

My friend keeps telling me it will happen. I thought maybe it wont be so bad because her first was 18 months when the second was born, whereas my daughter will be almost 3 when my 2nd arrives. I've been talking to my daughter about the new baby since finding out I was pregnant and she seems pretty enthusiastic, she's a very independant child, likes to play on her own. Do you think I need to expect jealousy?

Answer 1

She may be a little jealous after the baby has been home for a while and she sees just how much attention and time it requires of you, but I think since you have prepared her so well all this time in advance, she will probably have a good grip on things and be a good helper to you!!

Just make sure to keep telling her what a great big sister she is, and spend as much special time as you can with her when the baby is asleep or when someone else can watch it, so that she always feels special, also, and she should be fine!!

Sounds like you are doing a great job as a young mom!

Best of luck to you and your family!!

Answer 2

It could happen.  My sister had a second child when my nephew was three years old.  They were just finished potty training him and he went back to peeing his pants because he wanted the attention he was used to getting before his sister arrived.  I'm not saying that you'll have to deal with jealousy, but it's a possibility.  Good Luck.

Answer 3

my kids were wrapped when the got a new brother or sister they were all good with the new baby i hopw my little girl will be with this one as she will be 2 and 3 mths i think if you prepare them they handle it better

Answer 4

My boys scored an older brother and younger brother, at about the same time.

None have been jealous. They love their brothers, and the hardest thing was them being confused. Mine are still trying to figure out while our babies don't walk or talk.

They tell me they were never babies - I beg to differ.

I don't however leave them unattended with the babies. They have had a few incidents where the babies have been covered in blue food colour, cake in their hair, and a few little things (nothing serious)

They have moments where they don't enjoy being around the crying and so on. But they don't fool me - I watch them kiss the babies, and tell them they will teach them to ride a bike.