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Original poster

Change in toddlers personality

17 replies

justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 08:51

We have recently brought our new baby home (5 days old) and since then our 16 month old has changed slightly. A little quieter and less interested in toys and will just sit on the sofa next to me or her dad.

Makes me feel so sad and upset 😢 I'm pretty sure this is normal. But would love to hear from others who have been through the same.

How long did it take for your DC to adapt to having a a new sibling?

Thanks x

OP posts:
Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 10:09

Bump x

OP posts:
mindutopia · 02/08/2023 10:29

Perfectly normal. I think it's lovely actually that she's sitting there being quiet with you. I would actually see that as less of a personality change and more that she is just engaging with you in what you are doing - which is probably doing a lot of sitting quietly with a sleeping baby. The adjustment happens in stages, but I'd say initially it takes time for all of you to get into a new routine. So could be a few weeks, could be a couple months, til things really feel like they've always been like this. It may not be easy for you to do loads with her, but definitely your partner should be taking her out for lots of one on one time and attention when possible.

Fuckthatguy · 02/08/2023 10:38

Aaaaw she sounds incredibly sweet OP, it’s a normal period of adjustment and you can just go slowly with your lovely new baby.

It sounds from what you’ve said she is quite in tune with current family needs as she is just sitting quietly with you and her dad during this period, wanting to be close without being disruptive, which would also be absolutely normal depending on personality.

I know some adults who still haven’t adjusted to having younger siblings 😉

CupEmpty · 02/08/2023 10:39

That’s sweet. Mine went into full rage mode and became practically unmanageable so I would take quiet any day! I’m sure she’ll come round.

Nousername94 · 02/08/2023 10:41

My son was like this when I brought my baby girl home. My son was 3 at the time but he went really quiet I was worried he was feeling left out. He was great with his baby sister though. Your little one is probably just getting used to having a new baby around

Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 10:56

Thank you all for your lovely replies. It means a lot to me that you have taken the time to respond.

It's just a huge change I didn't expect. I thought she'd still remain her usual little self. That was naive of me I guess. I just can't stop crying when I look at her and she's just sitting there cuddling into me. DP keeps doing research and trying to reassure me which is sweet. He has been spending so much time with her and taking to the park, costa & see the ducks etc.

She has a doctors appointment this morning for a rash. And her back teeth are coming in, so I'm hoping the doctor will just say it's a combination or everything and she'll be back to herself in no time at all.

Also worth noting she has moved up a class in nursery this week too & we're moving house shortly. So everything has changed so much.

I'm tired and hormonal 😂 x

OP posts:
MNetcurtains · 02/08/2023 11:13

justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 10:56

Thank you all for your lovely replies. It means a lot to me that you have taken the time to respond.

It's just a huge change I didn't expect. I thought she'd still remain her usual little self. That was naive of me I guess. I just can't stop crying when I look at her and she's just sitting there cuddling into me. DP keeps doing research and trying to reassure me which is sweet. He has been spending so much time with her and taking to the park, costa & see the ducks etc.

She has a doctors appointment this morning for a rash. And her back teeth are coming in, so I'm hoping the doctor will just say it's a combination or everything and she'll be back to herself in no time at all.

Also worth noting she has moved up a class in nursery this week too & we're moving house shortly. So everything has changed so much.

I'm tired and hormonal 😂 x

Just give her lots of cuddles.

Fizzadora · 02/08/2023 11:19

Aw she's had a lot to deal with in a short space of time. Don't underestimate the move up at nursery as well as what's happening at home.
Any chance you can leave the baby with DP for a little while and do something with just the two of you. Even if it's just in her bedroom.

Mariposista · 02/08/2023 11:35

Poor little mite. She will cone round. Leave the baby with dad for an hour and take her to the park just the 2 of you. Show her she is still special.

Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 11:50

Fizzadora · 02/08/2023 11:19

Aw she's had a lot to deal with in a short space of time. Don't underestimate the move up at nursery as well as what's happening at home.
Any chance you can leave the baby with DP for a little while and do something with just the two of you. Even if it's just in her bedroom.

Funnily enough me and my DP just had this conversation, I'm going to take her out just the two of us and do something together. Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 11:51

Mariposista · 02/08/2023 11:35

Poor little mite. She will cone round. Leave the baby with dad for an hour and take her to the park just the 2 of you. Show her she is still special.

My partner just suggested this a few moments ago. Some mummy daughter time is well needed xx

OP posts:
Coffeaddict · 02/08/2023 12:01

CupEmpty · 02/08/2023 10:39

That’s sweet. Mine went into full rage mode and became practically unmanageable so I would take quiet any day! I’m sure she’ll come round.

Mine too

@OP one thing I found great was story time because it was a ' family' activity that both could do. Could you ask her to bring you a book while your feeding ect and you can read it together to both kids

Mariposista · 02/08/2023 12:14

justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 11:51

My partner just suggested this a few moments ago. Some mummy daughter time is well needed xx

Show quote history

@justanothermanicmonday1 FWIW I found my 4 year old in floods of tears in his room the day we brought his sister home, and when asked why he said ‘now mummy won’t be coming to my nativity play’ (which was 2 days later). I assured him that I would not be missing it for the world. Baby dropped at granny’s and both me and dad watched the proudest sheep in the world sing his heart out 😍 (and the two grannies went together the following day).

belei1922 · 02/08/2023 14:12

You sound like such an amazing mother op . ❤️

Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 17:25

belei1922 · 02/08/2023 14:12

You sound like such an amazing mother op . ❤️

Thank you so much. X

OP posts:
Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 17:26

@Mariposista I cried reading this. Your poor little darling! You wonder what goes through their minds 😢

OP posts:
Original poster
justanothermanicmonday1 · 02/08/2023 17:27

@Coffeaddict great suggestion. We have started doing this the past few days! She loves her books x

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