Raising A Big Brother

Disclaimer: B was only a 1 1/2 years old when we brought home little brother. We wanted to still enjoy his toddler-hood and babyhood, so we tried to preserve that even with a little guy on the way.

After finding out we were pregnant our family/friends were split into two groups:


 1.) believing we needed to push B into big kid mode.
 2.) believing we would just have to balance two babies.

With everything in life: balance is key. So we listened to the opinions, comments, and advice and here's what we settled with:


Step 1: Put away all the baby things that he still had out: the bumbo chair, receiving blankets, toys that were a little bit too young for him, etc. We wanted him to realize he was the "Big Brother".  Of course, baby things were being pulled out to prepare, but we called them his new baby brother's stuff.

Step 2: Teaching some new chores and responsibilities: Before walking he learned to help put toys away, and as he grew, he learned to take things to trash, get things for me, and sit beside me instead of on my lap all the time.

Step 3: Helping with the baby: Sounds a little scary I know, but B loves helping with his little brother, grabbing books to read, holding bottles, mixing formula, getting diapers and wipes. He even tries to help carry the car seat.  There have been scary moments as well. Blaine sneaking over to feed him cheerios, or trying to hold or carry him. But there brothers and every day they become better friends.

We did a few other things, but I think they are part of growing up, not needing to be held 24/7. or especially not while I'm cooking, time outs when his emotions got the better of him. Maybe there was more we could have done. I've heard baby dolls help out too.  Hind sight is always 20/20 but so far, we like our method, and it works for us.