In the beginning we didn’t really say anything to her about me being pregnant until 2 months in and when we finally did, the news went straight over her head!
Every child is different which means reactions to pregnancy and change vary, as Abby has really surprised us lately! However, when I think about the last 3 months of implementing our warm hearted intentions (listed out below) I'm not at all surprised to see that she gets it, and is VERY excited about BABY!
To START the conversation, we read books on what becoming a big sis is all about. So instead of changing things, we just adding something to her already schedule routine. Which is reading! Seeing her family and herself in the photos (a mom, dad, sis and baby) while I read the words was key in getting her to understand. We really like Little Miss, Big Sis and Becoming A Big Sis. Everything else we’ve done and plan to do, is listed below.
Timeline To Help Adjust:
Read books on what it means to be a big sis
Start talking about where baby is and pointing to mom's belly.
( 3 months)
Made her part of the pregnancy annoucment
(3 months)
Referred to the big sis books and ask what she wants to do with baby
(3-4 months)
Gifted baby doll
(3 months, although anytime!)
Joined mom on doctor visits & listen to baby’s heartbeat
( 4 months, plus get a treat after appointment!)
Timeline For Future:
Potty training
(4-6 months)
Railing down on crib
(5 months)
Big girl bed
(5-6 months)
Pick out a gift for baby
(8 months)
Meet baby!!!
(9 months)
Ask for grandparents to come to take Abby out the week of baby’s arrival for some fun.
( 9+ months)
Overall What Really Helps
I truly feel because we are making Abby a PART of the pregnancy, that’s the reason she’s SO excited! She gets to be front and center with everything that’s going on around here and its all fun stuff! Which in turn gives Abby a positive experience and relationship to what this whole “new baby ”and “big sis” thing is all about. So, looking back on it now, I'm kind of not surprised to see why she’s so excited!
I’m by nooo means a parenting expert as these are just things we’ve done and also plan to do. I feel like this topic is very rarely talked about, if ever. And as always, I truly feel you know what is best for you and your little ones. I’m just happy to share!
And I’m sure as we progress through these changes over the next couple of months, this topic will come up again. So I’m curious to know which one, two, or three of the changes you’d like to see in more depth?
Feel free to let me know below!
Warmly, Steph
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