To think she’s regressing back to childhood?

[theprincessthepea]

I might be overthinking this but my daughter is 12. I’m expecting my second in a few weeks and she seems to want me to see her as a baby again.

We went to buy bedsheets. Normally she would pick a colour pallet that matches with her room. But she picked out a pink princess patterned duvet set from the children’s section.

We went past a massive toy shop and insisted me went in. We did and she was talking about all of the toys she wants (she has heaps under her bed from dolls to toy houses and cars that she hasn’t touched since turning 10 - so if she wanted to play she could).

She is voiced that her life will change with a new sibling and wondered if her grandma would treat her more like an adult.

AIBU by reading too much into this? My guess is that it’s normal but should I be doing more to support her?

I have heard this is quite common when it's the child's first new sibling, or there's a bit of an age gap. I'd say humour her and let her play with younger kids stuff again, she won't do it forever. Reassure her that nobody will make her grow up too quickly, and she is not an adult for a long time. Grandma will always love you just as much as ever, etc.
Once the baby arrives she may well take on a more caring role, and enjoy the 'responsibility' of being the bigger sibling. I certainly wouldn't worry. At 12 it's quite a transitional age anyway, with puberty and all that so she's finding her feet at a time when she feels a bit of anxiety about change.
If she goes on to display more serious anxiety or upset then maybe ask her if she would like to try counselling? I'm sure it won't come to that though.

Bless her This is perfectly normal behaviour.I have seen this with 12,13 and 14 year olds.Sub consciously they are wondering is this now the end of their childhood are they no longer mummy or daddy's little girl/boy.All you need to do is reassure her that the only big change will be what an amazing sibling your newborn will have.Once your newborn arrives try and take some trips to a park where both children can enjoy together.When newborn is asleep forget all the housework cuddle up to your daughter and tell her what a great daughter and sister she is Good luck It willl all be fine .Mark my words👍

Poor girl. Feeling slightly nervous that she won't be the baby anymore. You doing it right, let him return to her safer younger things...once baby is here she know she still loved. Congratulations by the way x

Thanks. That’s reassuring.

She’s gone from wanting to be a teen and asking me for lipgloss and clear mascara to wanting toys etc.

It is reassuring that it’s common and thanks for the tips on how to approach this after baby is born. I’ve been feeling guilty that she would feel “left behind” as I’ve forgotten how much attention newborns might need.

I will definitely make sure I carve out some “us” time and give lots of compliments as I think she will make a great big sister.

My 13yr old DS is like this and we don't have a baby on the way...I think he is just anxious and wistful about letting some things go. We try to reassure him and not pressure him - he will move forward when ready and will still be our boy.