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Managing two kids

8 replies

PizzaPatel · 28/06/2022 21:42

Hi all,

I’m mum to a 4 year old and a newborn.

I had a c section and am finding recovery slower than I was expecting. I arranged to reduce my 4 year old down to 3 days a week at preschool so he’s home with me and the baby 2 days a week. I am feeling daunted by how I’m going to manage both of them - particularly my eldest. He’s got bags of energy and although I have my DP to help at the moment I’m concerned about the weeks ahead. I just don’t know how I’m going to entertain him when I can’t do as much as walk to the park.

I think the feelings of baby blues and the sadness I feel at losing the special relationship with an only child are also playing into this a bit. Im feeling sad and worried and could do with some help from mums who have been there.

what advice do you have - practical or emotional - to help me to manage over the next couple of months?

thank you

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Miriam101 · 28/06/2022 22:00

Oh I remember feeling exactly like that: overwhelmed, a bit sad, stressed! It gets much easier.

Does your 4yo know you've moved him down to three days a week? I ask b/c if not I would be sorely tempted to keep him in his usual pattern for the time being, while the newborn is so tiny- I don't know if that's doable. Obviously if he's mega excited about being at home with you and would feel he was being sent back to make way for the baby then that would be a bad idea. I just know that my DD going to preschool every morning was a Godsend to me.

The other things that helped: a sling (the baby napped in that all the time for the first few months, meaning I had time and attention and hands for his sister)- we could go to the playground, baby would nap as I walked around with him, toddler was happy etc.

Lots of TV for the eldest (I lowered my standards significantly)!

Having someone around to take the baby every day so I could spend some 1:1 time with eldest (I think this is important for both of you.)

But mostly just time. Now they're the best of pals and I'm feeling more and more like an intruder on their little games! Good luck and be kind to yourself- it's exhausting, but it does pass.

MolliciousIntent · 28/06/2022 22:03

Honestly I wouldn't reduce nursery for your oldest unless you really have to - keep everything as consistent as you can!

PizzaPatel · 28/06/2022 22:06

Thanks so much for your reply.

I think I could backtrack on the nursery arrangement if I needed to. I think I’ll try and make it work for the next 10 days and be flexible with it if needs be… I just didn’t want my first to feel replaced by the second.

Im definitely going to take the sling advice. Having had a c section though I’m not confident walking more than a few hundred metres at the moment. I really hope my stamina increases rapidly…

I should say that I’m lucky to have a lot of help from family so maybe I’m making a mountain out of a molehill.

I just wasn’t expecting this time to be so complicated emotionally and physically.

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SmellyWellyWoo · 28/06/2022 22:12

It is hard having two kids! Sometimes I think I found it harder than adjusting to having one! No advice as such, just solidarity.

boydy99 · 28/06/2022 22:21

I am 5 days in to the same situation! I have a 2.5 yo boy and a 5 day old boy. DH currently off on paternity leave but same as you I'm worried about what will happen / how I'll manage when he goes back to work. I'm planning to get out every day, lowering TV and food standards. GPs bought 2.5 yo a Yoto player as a baby distraction present and he is loving that. Also keeping 2.5yo in childminder 3 days a week as usual I think will give me the breathing space I need.

CoodleMoodle · 28/06/2022 22:43

Oh bless you, I've been pretty much where you were, except for the c section! I have no advice there, but please take it as easy as you can.

DD was 4 when DS was born, and nearing the end of preschool. DH had 2 weeks of paternity leave, and had to go back to the office on the first day of the summer holidays... Great timing! I remember one night, about a week in, sobbing in the kitchen about how I was never going to cope, DD would never forgive me, I wouldn't be able to give DS special attention, etc. It was my lowest moment in years and I found myself regretting ever having DS, which made me feel worse.

However, I did cope. DD started school when DS was a few weeks old, so she got a break from him and to feel like a big girl, and I got to spend time with him on my own like I did with DD. DH and I made a conscious effort to both spend alone time with DD, even something simple like taking turns to read to her before bed (we still do this now and she's 8). Four years later and it's tough sometimes, but we're all still here, nobody's been left out or forgotten, everyone is fed and loved. DS is starting school in Sept. It whizzes by, truly it does.

In terms of practical advice, the big one is to pick your battles. Some things really really don't matter, so save your energy for the ones that do. Does your DS want to help with the baby? DD took (takes!) her role of big sister extremely seriously, and was very involved with things like fetching nappies, waggling toys in his face, reading stories, etc. It made her feel important, like we were a team trying to keep this tiny human being alive together.

The first few weeks can be rough, OP, I won't deny. But it WILL sort itself out, you'll find a rhythm that works for all of you, and after awhile you'll wonder what you were worried about. Sorry for the long post, but I sympathise so so much Flowers

WolfMother326 · 29/06/2022 15:40

I don't have two babies yet, but after three weeks the c section will be a bit better. Try to take very short walks in the meantime, even just to the garden or the post box, alongside plenty of rest and pain relief. It does improve quickly although it took me 4 months to feel fully myself/able to do real exercise again. Every day you'll feel a little stronger. Good luck x

PizzaPatel · 29/06/2022 18:03

Thanks everyone - great to hear from people who have been through it and come out the other side!

and good luck and much solidarity @boydy99 !

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