[carlychan]

We had our first visit with my FS's baby sister. He is 19 months (3 month premie) and she is 8 months old. She did fine at the visit. She seemed comfortable here with us. When he woke up from his nap he "met" her. He didn't want me to have anything to do with her. He is used to being the baby around here We are going to continue visits until she moves in with us. We are planning on visiting every 2 days or so with them getting gradually longer. We were at our house today so his surroundings were not different. I knew this was going to be a problem but now it seems even worse than I expected. He threw a tantrum and going outside didn't even help. He doesn't like it when I am sitting with my other boys either.

Any suggestions to make this easier on him? I am going to hug and cuddle my older ones more often. He is at least used to that.

On a side note, she was wonderful! She was cute as a button and a great, "easy" baby.

[LaceyGirl]

We have had our FS for 17 months (since he was a couple days old) he was the only child in our home for 15months. Very, very attached to my husband and I. A few months ago we welcomed our FD who is 6 months old. Our FS did not want anything to do with her for the longest time. But over time he has adjusted - we try to keep his schedule the same, let him explore with our FD toys (i.e sitting in her bouncy seat, sitting in her bumbo, etc). In addition at the beginning I would sit with our FD and my hubby would sit with our FS playing in the same room which help get our FS use to our FD being around. We did not have an adjustment period but trust me it does get better with time - he will learn to love her.

[CaddoRose]

At the time our FD was 19 months old and we kept a one yr old for 4 days. She was not happy. Extremely jealous especially of DH, whom she is so attached to. Just let us know what we are in far if we get a younger baby in the house.

It is not an uncommon reaction for them particularly when they have been the center of attention and/or the baby. It helps to have them help you with the younger sib, like bring a blanket or a toy.

[irelady10]

This is probably the reaction many first-borns have when a new baby comes along. This simply rocks their little world! They were the only baby and didn't have to share mommy/daddy. Along comes this baby who demands alot of attention. Its tough! But, kids adjust pretty quickly; the adjustment time might not be much fun, but it will happen, eventually.

Good luck with the new baby and new big brother!

[athikers]

It sounds pretty normal to me!

Our son has been home three months, there is still a lot of jealousy at our house. Its a big adjustment and a bigger one when the kids have any trust issues due to their past.

[carlychan]

Originally Posted by athikers

It sounds pretty normal to me!

Our son has been home three months, there is still a lot of jealousy at our house. Its a big adjustment and a bigger one when the kids have any trust issues due to their past.

Great...I can't wait for the next couple of months...LOL

My FS has been here almost all of his life. I don't think he has any underlying trust issues (he was in NICU for 2 months...that could cause some, I guess). Hopefully, he will adjust sooner rather than later. I know having a new sibling in the house causes any kid "problems." It doesn't help that they are barely a year apart and she is HUGE for her age. He thinks it's another one of him coming to steal me away. This ought to be GREAT FUN...wish me luck.

[Biblemom]

Encourage him as the BIG boy, and BIG brother and BIG helper. Let him bring diapers, blankets and pick out special toys that he can share with the baby. We allowed the children to bathe together so that the oldest(18 months) could help 'wash' the youngest. If you celebrate milestones for the oldest be sure that you say the baby is so proud of you too etc. Do not push, but allow him to come around in his own time.

[calimomX3]

Sounds normal...I am so happy to hear you are visiting her and she is going to come to your home..YEA!!!