New to JM

SerenaPlusXander · #1 January 1st, 2008, 06:00 PM

I am new to JM and lurking at the boards to see where I fit in and saw this one. I am a mom of an only child right now but we are ttc starting recently. Our daughter is 6. she will be at least 7 before we have another one.

Any body have any words of wisdom and how to deal with such a big age gap? For our sanity and hers? How did your children handle having another one so much younger than them.

AndoriaC · #2 January 3rd, 2008, 07:45 AM

My daughter, Angel, was about 6 1/2 when we decided to TTC our second, so I was in your position about a yearl and a half ago. She had been wanting a sibling for quite some time though. The entire way through my pregnancy we called the baby "OUR baby" with her, and I bought a book (Baby Oh Baby The Places You'll Go - A Book To Be Read In Utero) that she read to the baby a lot. We also took a special trip to Build A Bear Workshop where she made the baby a bear that she brough to the hospital. And at the hospital, I gave her a present as well - fabric markers and a pack of t-shirts and a pack of onesies so she could make shirts for herself and her new little sister. I think that keeping her involved with everything, and giving her things to do to get ready for the baby really helped. She is the best big sister! She loves helping out with Alana and is really great with her.

Hope this helps a little

Good luck TTC! I hope you get a BFP soon!!

Kaypea · #3 January 4th, 2008, 07:20 PM

good luck ttc! we did a lot of the "our" baby stuff too, it helped travis feel very connected.

SerenaPlusXander · #4 January 6th, 2008, 05:19 PM

Thanks ladies. I like the idea of the shirts and markers. that is really neat. Serena is so into the crafty stuff right now so that would be right up her alley.

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions to you both.

Kaypea · #5 January 8th, 2008, 09:30 AM

Please let us know how it goes!

karri · #6 January 18th, 2008, 10:23 AM

Girls just have such an innate sense of motherhood too, I'll bet she will just adore her new brother or sister and be such a great help for you. She's at an age where she will just want to pamper and spoil and mother and in response to all the attention the little one will naturally respond positively. In some ways I think you'll find the age gap reduces sibling rivalry as both childrens' need will be so different. I am very excited for your daughter, this will be an amazing experience for her and as long as she is very secure in your love for her, this will be one of the best times of her life. May God bless your family greatly!