If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

How are they handling it? DS liked DD at first lol but now that she is so active (almost 18 months), taking his stuff etc. he is really acting out. Doing baby talk, pushing/hitting his sister, just being super whiny and fresh. It's so upsetting. I know he must be feeling jealous. I try SO hard to give him 1 on 1 time and make him feel special but it isn't helping. When she is napping he's an angel Anyone else go through this?

Re: If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

anyone have advice or go through the same thing?

Re: If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

DC are exactly 3 years apart (same birth month). DS was never jealous of DD, but he always took a "big brother" role, and still does at 9 and 6. Maybe if you can give him big brother tasks (get a diaper from the stack when you are changing DD, holding DD's hand going from the house to the car, etc). Make him feel special that he's the older one.

Re: If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

DS was one month shy of 3 when DD came along. He loved her at first and then went through the typical jealousy phase for a few months. But, now at 1 and almost 4, he loves her to no end. He is a very protective big brother and loves hugging, feeding, and playing with her. I definitely agree with the op that you should encourage the big brother role of helping and taking care of her. I made a point early on of involving him in every aspect of taking care of her. He would stand at the sink and help bathe her, help get diapers, help feed her, etc. This might help with the feelings of jealousy. I also find that as she got older, it was easier to focus the attention on both of them together, play with them together, etc.

Re: If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

hugs!
my boy turned 3 in dec...she was born 2 mos later in Feb

1. some won't agree...but I make it known that a boy can never ever touch a girl in a mean way. I told him it is the rule of life. No hitting girls since he will always be stronger then girls(this "fact" seemed to make it okay)

2. on that note...if he breaks that rule, i would take serious action. take her to cec without him or something.

3. Josh has a "room"
his bedroom is basically his train tracks, lincoln logs, car tracks area. there is a childproof door knob on his door. he can go up there anytime and play solo...but if he is playing with her, he must speak nicely to her and teach her how to share.

good luck!

Re: If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

My kids are about 2 years & 8 months apart, but ds#2 is only 4 months old so we're still in the easy stage. DS#1 lovessss him & is really good with him, but I'm nervous about how it will be when they're older and have to start sharing. I have no advice, but lots of

Re: If DC #1 was about 3 when DC #2 came

Thanks everyone. I do try to involve him. He likes rinsing her hair in the bath and things like that but maybe I should try to make more of an effort to do this. Also YES I always tell him it is not acceptable to ever hit girls, especially his baby sister and that it's his job to protect her. Sometimes he seems to get it, others, he spends lots of time in time out for pushing her I know he loves her (and she adores him) so I'm hoping that when she can really play more with him (as opposed to just take his stuff and put it in her mouth!) he will ease up and enjoy her more. Thanks again!