When you have two children, finding time for one-on-one time with the older child is so important. Both for your relationship with that child, and for their relationship with their sibling. I mean remember – they were your only child for as long as they remember. Then a new baby comes an their world is turned upside down. And you know what? It’s hard. Really hard. Even the easiest of babies demand a lot of attention. So your first baby is going to feel like they’ve been pushed aside if you don’t manage to find ways to fill up their attention cup (as a friend described it).
That’s why I’ve been on a hunt for toys that keep Tripp occupied while helping him grow developmentally to engage him in so that I can then give Maddie Grace some of the one-on-one time that she needs. My favorite right now is Tiny Love’s Dual Motion Developmental Mobile. The dual motion aspect of this mobile creates a hide-n-seek show that babies love. This is also really awesome because it’s teaching your baby that things that disappear aren’t can reappear! And the piano, which also functions as a stand alone toy when baby gets older, plays 15 different sweet melodies and lights up to engage babies and toddlers. I love knowing that baby Tripp is developing cognition, EQ, and senses, while I spend some time with his sister. The Developmental Mobile retails for $59.99 and grows with your child so is great for 0-24 months.
Even if you need to hold the baby there are ways to find special time for your older child. Read the older child books while nursing the baby. Make the one-on-one time you do have with the older child quality time. Yes, that means leave your phone in another room! Maddie Grace hates it when I’m on the phone so I try to set it down and just focus on her and what she wants to do as much as possible. Or take your older child on a date. Hand the baby off to dad when he gets home if possible and take your older child to a movie or even just to get ice cream.
Having two kids is difficult but rewarding in ways I never even imagined. I love watching Maddie Grace love on Tripp, and when he smiles back at her my heart just melts. And I want to do everything possible to foster their relationship and help them grow up as best friends, and I really hope that they remain best friends forever!
Do you have any tips for finding on-one-one time with older children or fostering sibling relationships? Would love to hear about it below!
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