I was just wondering what is the best way to settle into being a family of 4 while navigating visitors? I'm expecting DC2 in a few weeks and worried that it will be hard for DC1 to deal with the huge change that's about to happen in bringing a new baby home. She will be 2.8yo when the baby is born and is still very uncertain and shy around people when they visit our house. I'm not sure if this is an age thing or just a hangover from covid? Either way she's not her happy self when people visit. She's fine with my parents because they look after her a few days every week and she likes my FIL but apart from that she just wants to hide from everyone else and says "I want mummy" on repeat even if I have her on my knee. DH family is quite big and when FIL comes to visit so will an extra 4 people (DH has siblings that are young adults but don't drive so they need to come altogether).
When DC1 was born I found the visitors quite overwhelming. Our families are very respectful and only came over when we said it was OK but even then I found that they just visited for too long. I'm not sure how to say to people now it's time to go. What's the best way to do it? How long is a reasonable visit? Is it best to rip the plaster off and get them them visit soon after the birth to get it all out the way? Any advice on helping DC1 with this one?