Question: Barbara ~I cannot thank you enough for sharing your brain with the rest of us!This thread is a JOY to read!As an only child until the age of 12 I can't even BEGIN to imagine growing up with that many siblings. It is a blessing to all of them (whether they currently realize it or not).I noticed you had a fairly large (5 year) age gap between your 4th and 5th children. How did you help your at the time youngest deal with having a new baby in the family?
Answer: New babies were always a thrill at our house! I always told the kids I needed lots of helpers and that the new baby was so lucky to have them as big brothers and sisters! I let them hold the baby- with help. I praised, praised, praised anyone who would talk to and play with baby so mommy could get a few things done! Praise and hugs, praise and hugs!
Let them cuddle up while you nurse and read with you. Let them show baby their art ( baby loves the noise! of siblings). Tell baby how lucky they are to have----to teach them things!! Make baby fun- not another things to get fussed at about. Don't worry about noise. I have had babies sleep through band saws and drills, laughing and running, movies and kids! And be sure to tell the older ones about when THEY were babies. Your eyes were....., your mouth....., you smiled when.... Makes being no longer the baby a fun thing too!
The biggest mistake people make is thinking the older ones will naturally resent a baby. Kids LOVE babies. Even emo looking teens in a store will come smile at a baby!! It is the grown-ups who ruin it. "be quiet, move back, don't touch, I "know you don't like baby, But"- what a STUPID thing to say to a kid!!!One thing I did when I had a small child right above- you know, not really big enough to be trusted. :)- I let them rub the babies feet with lotion! Over and over- tons of the stuff. My babies never had dry feet! LOL! And if the 2 year old wants to kiss baby on the head- and then baby is now coverd in peanutbutter....smile and thank God for your blessings. Babies wash!! Hugs, Barbara
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