Feel like I'm short changing DS2.....

[happypiglet]

Realised this am that DS2 (11m) can't/ won't/isn't interested in sitting through a story of even a very short length. DS1 at this age was on soft back books and sitting on my knee enjoying longish stories.
Now feel like I have let DS2 down as I realise I haven't introduced him to books as early or as consistently as with DS1 - infact I try to put him out of the way when reading to DS1 as he tries to rip/ eat the book.....
Plus I don't take him singing or swimming or indeed to anything I used to do with DS1. There doesn't seem to be as many hours in the day. How will he ever do as well as DS1?
Help feeling like the world's worst parent...

He has one huge benefit that ds1 didn't get. He has an older brother.

Your DS2 misses out on some things your DS1 got. But instead, he gets more relaxed, confident parents, and a fascinating older brother to watch. I'm not sure he's short-changed.

Happypiglet - I really think this is probably a feeling shared by most people with two children. It is just very difficult to do it like you did with the first and in many ways I feel like I end up short-changing both of them now there are two - they both end up not getting what they want. However, ds is now 2.5 and despite reading less books, doing less nursery rhymes, going to less groups, he is chatty, friendly, outgoing and seems very happy (just as happy as dd at 2.5). I think the 2nd one picks things up through osmosis!!!

think of it this way - when DS1 goes to school then DS2 gets much more of your undivided attention. I am looking forwards to Ds having 'his' time when my DD starts reception in September.

Am going through this.

DD was only child and only grandchild for almost 5 years. She was speaking in sentences ( seriously) at 14 months, writing her name by 2 and reading properly by 3.

DS is 1 and can't say mama and dada yet. He spends his whole life in the buggy trailing after DD and this afternoon for he had some CHIPS! DD was still on organic pureed veg at this age.

Never done story time, tumble tots etc with him because I already have all DD's friend's parents so no need to force myself out the house.

But he has DD and is growing up as part of a family - something which DD is only just getting used to. Unless you have twins there is no way your kids will get an identical experience of your parenting ( and parents of twins will probably say that's not even the case then because the kids have different personalities)

He is not getting better or worse deal, jsut different.