Advice on sister rivalry

[0MammaBear0]

Hi, I just had DD3 a month ago. DS1 is all over the moon with her, he loves her so much and takes great care of her, but DD2 is a bit more complex. She likes the new baby but I also think she feels insecure that her new sister is here to "replace". I've been giving DD2 lots of attention, cuddles, reassurance,... She seemed that she was starting to take this new situation a bit better, but recently she's regressed and she pokes her in the face, she's scratched her a couple of times and just today DH heard her calling DD3 "ugly". What's the best way to handle this? I really want them to have a great relationship and be close to each other

I forgot to clarify DS1 is 3.5yo and DD2 is 2yo

She’s lost her only girl position hasn’t she? No doubt that’s a shock. Children don’t necessarily replicate the love parents give.

Also the feelings of a 2 year old don’t last a lifetime. Neither can you force a close bond. They need to forge it themselves. They probably will but it’s not a given. A lot depends on you. Be fair and treat them equally. No favouritism. For now don’t expect the 2 year old to behave nicely. Keep the baby away from her unless you supervise. Keep her busy and don’t expect her to be your helper or exhibit any other predetermined “nice” behaviour traits she doesn’t understand. She’s not old enough to understand about a baby’s needs. She will though but give it time.