Sunday, March 31, 2013

HOW WE ARE PREPARING OUR KIDS FOR THE NEW BABY






Only 3 more weeks left before baby 5 is due. Throughout this pregnancy I have been preparing my 4 children that they will have another sibling. Our 2 older boys understand that they will have a new sister, while my 3 year old daughter understands and is over the moon but I am not sure she understands that she will not be the only girl anymore. Then our 2 year old I think it will effect the hardest. He is very attached and still a baby himself.
 
Here are some ways that I have been preparing our children for the addition to our family:
 
Since I homeschool my kids are with me all the time even for my OB appointments. They have gotten to hear all the baby's heartbeats and have seen her on every ultrasound. They got to see the baby even before their dad did!
 
My kids are excited about the baby so they have been drawing her pictures which I have been saving, I made a folder and have made the baby a folder with all their drawings in it.
Involving them by having them picking out clothes, etc. for the baby. I had them go with me when I did my baby registry and had them help me chose items for the baby.
 
When the baby has big movements I share with my kids because they enjoy feeling her movements and most of the time they come running over and put their hands on my belly and feel her. They get a "kick" out of it!
I was blessed to have 2 baby showers, my daughter went to my 1st baby shower and 3 of my children went my 2nd baby shower. I involved them by having them open up my gifts and participating in the shower activities.
(opening my baby shower gifts with her older cousin)
 
Here are some books that I am reading to them "baby related":

 I will also be making little bags with a few goodies in them for each of my kids from the baby once she is born and they come visit her at the hospital.

When we have a new baby I always take a picture of all my kids together and will put it in the baby's area at the hospital.
 
The kids will make a welcome home poster for the baby - each participating using their own creativity.
 
We also put all the baby items out early such as the baby swing, bouncer, etc. early so that they get acclimated to her belongings before she is born. Placing her car seat in the car early so they are adjusted to their new seating arrangements in my van before she is born.
 
My next project is to make big brother shirts for my 2 older boys while my 2 year old has a hand me down older brother shirt and my daughter received a big sister shirt at my shower.
 
How have you involved your other children in your pregnancy?
 
 Stay tuned for some fun activities I have been doing with my littler ones involving a "baby" theme.
 

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24 comments:

  1. My youngest is 18-months and he has no idea what's going on as far as I can tell. All the kids are always welcomed to come feel my belly when they want, they sing songs to the baby. And even though my youngest doesn't seem to understand he likes to come and poke my belly button and rub lotion on my tummy. He'll say "Bay-bay" when he does it so maybe he understands way more than I give him credit for.

    Tonight my 6-year-old SAW my entire belly morph and distort with a huge baby kick and her eyes got as round as saucers!!! It was hysterical. Thus far she hasn't been patient enough to sit there and watch for movement, only leave her hand there to feel.

    We went through baby clothes together to see what I had for a newborn. I ask them what they're going to do when the baby comes, what to expect, etc.

    We didn't find out the gender so we do play a lot of guessing games. We can't decide on a middle name for a girl so I asked them for ideas but that went downhill pretty fast, ha ha!

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  2. How exciting. Can't believe how soon baby will be here. It looks like you'll have lots of help. I think it's so sweet that the kids have been drawing the baby pictures.

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  3. Look at your adorable family!!! You seem to be really prepared! So soon!!!

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  4. When we were expecting my 2 year old, we spent a lot of time helping my then 4 year old understand what it meant to be a big brother... because of his Autism, we worked with social stories and I also bought him a baby brother doll a few months before I was due...

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  5. That is awesome! You look so cute with your belly!! I guess you're going to need to change the name of your site to Mama to Five Blessings pretty soon! I just have two kids and my first was very young when I had my second. If we had another now they would be very involved! You have a lovely family!!

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  6. When my daughter was born, I didn't do too much to prepare my son who was only one at the time. I guess I should have since he wound up sitting on her head!

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  7. We did a lot of the same things when we added our daughter to the family. Just tried to have the boys as involved as possible. So they felt like it was THEIR baby too. There has never been any jealousy issues with the sister. They are very fond of her and protective. And they still love going shopping for her, and she's now 3 years. lol. But I think it all stems back to when we were preparing them for her to join our family.

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  8. Aww, I love the pics. Your kids will do great. It's easier when you have a larger family to introduce a baby. We have most of the books you showed too. I think the best thing you can do is involve them from the start, like you are doing.

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  9. These are such great ideas, I love the folder with all their drawings in it!
    My oldest daughter was almost 4 when I had my youngest so she had a pretty good grasp on things. We took her to the "big" ultrasound appointment and had her pick out the coming home outfit. We narrowed the name choices down to 3 that we liked and then asked her which she liked the best (and which she could pronounce lol) and she picked the one we went with, so she was very involved. She is an amazing big sister and we have been so impressed, so far, that there is no sibling rivalry! They get along so well!

    You look wonderful!! Sending thoughts and well wishes to you in your last weeks for a safe delivery of your sweet girl!

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  10. I am in awe of you that you can parent, homeschool, and blog with 4 almost 5 kids! Thanks for sharing! I am sharing this on my social media channels, Super Mommy!

    Blessings ;)

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  11. I only have two and they are almost 18 months apart (by 4 days). So when my youngest was born his older brother was about to turn 18 months old so he had no clue what was going on. He was apprehensive at first but as soon as he got to see his little brother up close he was hooked, and they have been best friends ever since.

    I think the older kids are, the toughest it gets for them to take on the change. My boy practically grew up with his little brother so it was as easy as pie!

    Sofia
    From PDX with Love

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  12. It sounds like you are doing some great things with your children to help them prepare! I love seeing big families....especially when the parents are bringing them up in the ways of the Lord! Blessings to all of you!!

    Laurie
    From Steals and Deals for Kids

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  13. aawwww that is sweet. i'm sure they can't wait to see the baby. they must be so excited.

    http://www.tipsandexperience.com/2013/03/senior-communities.html

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  14. How sweet! That is awesome how your little is already so very loved and welcomed even before coming out into the world! You are a wonderful momma. :)

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  15. Aww! It's almost time!! I kept my kids involved during my pregnancy with my son. I took them to ultrasound appointments so the could see their baby brother on the "tv". I let them talk to him when he was in my belly. I let them pick out outfits for him when we would go shopping.

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  16. Oh so exciting! Congrats on being so close to the due date. Sounds like you've done a great job getting the other kids prepared.

    Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired

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  17. These are great ideas! I especially love the idea about allowing them to open gifts at the shower. What kid wouldn't love that?

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  18. You look absolutely gorgeous!!!! xo

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  19. Good job Mama! Your kids will do beautifully with the new baby. Blessings to you and your entire family!
    MMF

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  20. These are all really great ideas! I pinned it. Hopefully, I can use it one day!

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  21. Good list of ideas!

    Thanks for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

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  22. I think it is so wonderful that you are helping the other kids prepare for and get excited about your new addition! You are such a cute pregnant lady =)

    Thanks for linking up to TGIF! I hope to see you linked up later today!
    Beth =)

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  23. Awww what lovely ideas. Also congratulations on your soon to be new arrival!

    Thanks for sharing on The Sunday Showcase. I've pinned to our board.

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Nicole, the mama behind the Mama to 5 Blessings blog, is a mom to 5 children. Three boys: ages 8 years, 5 years, 2 years, a daughter 4 years and a new baby girl born April 19th 2013. She has been married to her husband Fritz for 11 years. Here at Mama to 5 Blessings you will find quite a variety of topics: recipes, crafts for moms and children, homeschooling, parenting, reviews and giveaways, thrifty tips and much more! Mama to 5 Blessings can also be found on Twitter @mamato3blessing, Facebook and Pinterest.