Preparing your Little One for the Birth of their sibling
DS is 3 - his little sister is due in July and we have been preparing him for her arrival, by pretty much being honest and upfront with him (obviously age appropriate for him), but I am starting to feel a little emotional about it all and have noticed him getting quite clingy to me - is this normal?
We've told him that we will have a new family member to love and to love all of us, and 'Little Sister' will come and live with us, he's helped us set up her nursery, and willingly handed over many of the baby items he remembers for his little sister - we've always asked him if he'd like to give it to his sister, rather than telling him to, and that Mummy and Daddy will be going into hospital to deliver the baby and he will stay with Nan for one night (then just with Daddy for another night or so) then Mummy will come home with the baby, but he will be with us during the day as much as possible.
He seems ok with it all, but tonight we were at my Mum's (Nan's) and he kept asking to go home, and said that he didn't want to stay there and wanted "Mummy, Daddy and Bailey to stay altogether" so I can see he is a little anxious about it all.
I plan to use the early discharge option or Hospital outreach program (you get transferred to a swish hotel with midwife 24/7 and other children can then stay with you) - all going well of course so we are apart as little as possible. I also plan that DH will bring DS in as soon as practical after birth so he will be the first one to see his sister, the grandparents have been told to wait until DS (and us) are settled and we give them the green light)
What other idea's can you share when you had #2? I am starting to feel a little sad that it wont be just me and DS anymore. Obviously I am totally excited and thrilled and can't wait for DD to arrive, but it ends life as we currently know it - ITMS? I want this to impact DS as little as possible, but I am realistic in the fact that its massive. DH is wonderful and I know he will be awesome in helping with DD and also ensuring DS is feeling the love. DH plans to take DS shopping to buy a special present for DD when she arrives. We also plan to have something special for DS to mark the occasion as well, however its more the time and availability of us that concerns me.
Help! I'm starting to feel a sadness and I don't want DS to pick up on it. My little man is so intuitive, thoughtful and senstive and I really want him to feel as secure and loved as possible. Hope I don't sounds like a raving looney!