[koalakiss]

I have a two year old and a month old. My month old daughter is a preemie and is not home yet. I don't know how to prepare my two year old when her sister comes home. Cause my two year old is little rough with all her friends. She is soft with her baby cousins but I am still worried. Any advice on how to prepare her physically and mentally for her sisters arrival home? I think I have awhile before my youngest comes home, cause the Doctors haven't told me when I can take her home. But any advice is well appreciated. Thank you!

[Tsunshine]

Buy a new doll that looks like a baby and start practicing. Have your daughter practice holding her and touching her. Lay the doll on the floor and have your daughter practice how to treat her. Talk about when the baby comes home and what you will do and how she will need to treat her new sister.

Since your new one will be fragile try and keep her in her carseat, bouncer, or crib for a while so she won't get picked up, accidently get stepped on or ran over.

[workingdad]

There are often classes for toddlers which explain what it's like, though your oldest might still be a bit young. A doll she has to take care of is a good idea. One thing we stressed was that babies are boring! It was a hard adjustment for our oldest, and still is. A friend of mine, who is the oldest in her family, says you never really get over it -- and she's almost forty! Do the best you can to show her that while there are important changes going on your love for her is unchanging.

[koalakiss]

Thank you all so much! I did get her a doll and she seems to be doing better. I also am putting the babies car seat in the car with her so she can get used to that too. (And her doll will be in it. So she can get used to the idea that a baby will be there.) Thanks for all of your advice. I really appreciate it. I am so excited that my youngest is coming home soon. She was supposed to come home this week, but the doctors said she had a little set back. But hopefully she will come home next week. She is five pounds now! Yeah! Thanks for all of your support!

[LadyElizabeth]

The doll and toddler classes are great advice!
Also realize that your daughter needs to be prepared for the fact that a lot of your time will now be taken up by your new baby.
Try to schedule time to read her a story and let her know that you still love her just as much. Find a way to let her help care for the new baby on some level and really praise her efforts.
You'll do a great job!
Best wishes,
Lady Elizabeth

[mamaip]

In addition to the wonderful suggestions you've received, just remember that patience is going to be your best asset here. It's tough becoming an older sibling. My own son was three when his little sister was born. Most of the time, he's been wonderful with her, but that doesn't mean he hasn't had the urge to squeeze her or be too rough. Just do your best to convey good behavior to her. For instance, when your baby comes home and your oldest plays with her gently, praise her. I've found that my son eats up the praise and responds much more to that than discipline. Of course that doesn't mean that discipline won't be necessary from time to time, but the more praise you give for good behavior, the less you may have to resort to it! You'll find what works for you. Good luck, and best wishes for a speedy homecoming for your little angel.
Cathy