wow Antheia, I just read all of the posts here! You poor thing, isn't it frustrating when you tell people how helpless you feel and that you think their behaviour isn't normal and they don't believe you.
I think Trish's suggestions of a weekly date with daddy is an excellent idea. Even if it is to go for a walk or drive on his day off to get the paper or something else.
Our DD was 8 when we told her I was pregnant, and even though she was old enough for us to communicate that things wouldn't change, she was still a little apprehensive. We tried to include her as much as possible with all things baby related (Not saying that you're not) we got a copy of up the duff, mainly for the measurements along the side of the book so she could see how long the baby was each week. One week we even gave her a bag of microwave popcorn and said this is how heavy the baby is this week.
We subscribed to emails with details of what the baby was growing this week.
She also was moved to the bigger spare room, and got a makeover. Instead of a makeover, maybe a new lamp or something else inexpensive?
She came shopping with us when we looked at change tables as well, and she bought a special outfit from target for the baby to wear home from hospital. Problem was that she got a bigger than needed size, but it was still her choice.
We got her a digital camera and wrapped it up, and when she arrived at the hospital for the first time, we gave it to her and told her it was from her baby brother. She absolutely loves the camera, and takes so many photo's it's not funny!
Maybe a lot of daddy daugther one on one time, then slowly start talking about the baby, how she will have to show the baby how to hold a fork, while you guys are eating. Does she think the baby will like banana as much as she does, when he is old enough to eat?
Just had another thought about the reward chart, what if you let her pick the items that go in the box for her to choose from? Don't know if that will help any?
Yeah i think we'll start the special 'dates' this weekend. I do know she is excited about the baby coming. She wants to see him being born(one great thing about homebirth!) and she wants to teach him how to walk and talk and she helps me pick out cloth nappies lol. So it is a little confusing to me that she loves bub but still feels threatened but i guess thats just how her mind works!
Just wanted to recommend a great picture book your DD might like titled 'Hello Baby'. It is a beautiful book about a home birth in a family were there are other children present. It has a really simple story line with great pictures. It sounds like she is really interested in the up coming birth so it might be of some benefit in terms of preparing her. The lady down the road from me gave it to her DS (5) and DD (7). They loved it.
Also some of the behaviors you mentioned your DD displaying are almost identical to those these kids started showing about a month out from their sisters birth.
Good luck for your home birth, every home needs one.
I was thinking about that book lately actually. I might give it to her for christmas and it can be a special reading time book we can do together at bed time.
Antheia, I have just read through all the posts....You poor thing dealing with that and being pregnant! I'm so glad you have worked out the reason and have things in place to make it easier for you all!
Although I am sorry you had to go through that, I am glad you started the thread! DS is being so difficult lately and some of the replies may be useful for us. I'm definitely not pregnant so thats not the cause of his issues but could be diet related. We also started a rewards chart but although he loved getting the stickers and putting it up, I think he is too young to understand why he's getting the stickers...anyway won't hijack your thread just wanted to say thanks for starting the thread and glad things are looking up for you!
Well it may not be all about the baby now. She shows signs of ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). So she's getting reviewed on this and other such things.
Overall i feel like i have let her down somehow, like i caused this. This is not how i imagined life would be like..
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