Most surprising to me is how close my kids are. They get along and play non stop most of the time. I know that won’t always be the case, and likely as soon as I hit publish the tides will turn on me! And now, I only have two and a half years under my belt in this sibling thing, so really what do I know? A lot of this is plain luck. But a couple people have asked how they get along so well? what did you do? So here’s a post on what helped us in those newborn days…
-
- When I was pregnant I read a ton of books and we watched Daniel tiger’s “new baby” episode a few times. I prepared him as much as possible for what to expect. Here’s a few of our favorites during that time:
- When Wes arrived I tried to include him in everything. When wes was a crying newborn, I’d ask Tuck what he thought was wrong. Having help him diagnose the problem was pretty cute but also made him feel involved. I also had him fetch diapers, clothes, etc.
- We napped for so long together in those early months. It was mostly out of survival, but also because I thought there’s something sweet that’s fostered between them in that. Being close to his baby was his favorite.
- Whenever Tuck had been somewhere I always made sure to have a little something for him from Wesley. Not big things but a hot wheel or a couple stickers. We’d pick him up from school, and I’d have something in his carseat and tell him it was from his brother. He loved that! As a two year old, he totally believed that this little two week old picked him out something (: I hoped it made him think he was always being thought of by his brother!
- With my first son I stayed in a lot, but with a toddler that’s hard to do. We went so many places as a family, and just the three of us too. I took Wes places I would have not taken Tuck before six months. I think having wesley usually along for the ride helped tuck be very aware of him. There were certain limitations, and I just think that helped him think more of Wes, and his needs as a baby. I’m not sure if that makes sense!
- I had Tuck at home until a little after Wesley was born. I think having his own thing really helped him with his sense of self, and to have his own thing going on.
{boys are in adorable seersucker by Nantucket Kids c/o// T-Shirt is Honey Bee Tees}
I’d love to hear ideas on how you help foster sibling love? I’ll need help as they get older!!
