When to tell a toddler about a new baby

[Jj]

Hi! I'm 9 weeks pregnant and have a 3 year old (he just turned three). We told him as soon as we found out, around 5 weeks ago. He's taken it well-- excited and all, although he wants a little sister and, well, there's nothing I can do about that. We talk about it with him, not too much, but as it comes up naturally. Don't worry, just tell him what's happening, what will happen and be prepared for the questions! (Where is it? How will it get out?) Good luck!

I have to say that I didn't really like Rebecca Abrams' book. I found it very negative generally and quite melodramatic in parts. The chapter on returning to work is full of amazing generalisations and basically assumes that no woman would ever want to work with 2 children. Also, her comments on nurseries that "they are an unsuitable environment for a small baby" is at the very least unhelpful. Overall I was disappointed at the lack of practical advice.