Being a parent is a gift that is priceless. However, it’s also a labor of love that gets hectic and can throw you out of whack if you allow it.
One of the biggest challenges is having both a newborn and a toddler at the same time. This stretches you thinner, tests your patience, and requires some diplomacy since toddlers tend to get jealous of their new sibling.
So how can you bring it all together? Breathe and relax. There’s help on the way.
Here’s how you can make things work with a toddler and newborn in your household.
1. Cater to Your Toddler and Let Them Know They’re Still Important
First things first, make sure that you’re considering your toddler’s feelings. Learning to share their parents is the first life lesson that your child is dealing with, so make sure you help them to grow through it.
Explain that their new brother or sister is part of the family now, and they have both a gift and responsibility as an older sibling. Take time each day to relate to them one-on-one as well, so that they don’t feel left out.
2. Task Your Toddler to Help You Out
Another way to make your toddler feel involved is by tasking them to help out. If they have responsibilities around the house they won’t feel left behind.
Instead, they can take pride in the fact that they’re growing up, and won’t feel as compelled to be the baby or compete with their sibling.
3. Take Care of Yourself and Get Plenty of Sleep
Make your own health and wellness a priority. When you take care of yourself you’ll be up to the challenges that you’re facing.
With a new baby, you’re going to have some sleepless nights on your hands. When you take the time to get more sleep whenever you’re able, your mind will be sharper, you’ll have more energy, and the day to day stresses of parenthood won’t get you down.
4. Keep the Newborn on a Tight Schedule
Schedule is everything when you want to keep peace in your household. The more you establish a routine, the easier it is to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.
Keep your baby on a nap, sleep, and feeding schedule. Pick your toddler’s clothes out and make sure that they’re also getting naps and lunchtime.
You can invest in twin prams to carry your baby and toddler around when you go on errands. When you can easily pick up and go with both your toddler and newborn, life becomes a bit easier.
5. Enjoy the Moments
Most importantly, don’t make the mistake of overlooking this moment in your life. Sure, it can get stressful and will require more of you than anything else in life ever has.
However, having these two beautiful children is a gift, and this is a time that you’re going to look back on fondly once they’re teenagers getting ready to leave for college. Enjoy each moment and maintain your perspective.
Co-Exist With Your Toddler and Newborn
So what do you do when you have a toddler and newborn under the same roof?
Let these tips help you out when you’d like to manage your household as you go through this life change. Reach back out to us when you’d like to learn more about family and relationships.
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