Thinking about expanding your family can be hard, especially if you have had fertility issues or your first child has been difficult. Being such a personal decision, I am not here to tell you to do it or not, just giving you some of the best tips to go from one to two without losing your mind!
First of all, keep in mind that both of your children will likely have very different personalities. But after having one, you are already armed with the basics for the “dos and don’ts” of parenting. The number one rule is consistency with your new little one and your first kiddo. Kids really do thrive off of a routine, so keep your routine going with your first and try to adapt your new baby to your first child’s schedule as much as possible.
Depending on their age difference, the nap situation could maybe coincide at the same time. Your first child will likely love helping you get the baby ready for nap time. This could be a great tool to include your first in your new baby’s routine, and it would also make your first not feel left out for him/her taking a nap while the baby gets to stay awake.
Secondly, have a tribe around you. Whether it’s family or friends, it’s so important to keep a connection to the “outside world”. While adjusting to two can be a big hurdle, most of your family and friends have gone through the same thing. It’s ok to lean on the ones that care about you, please, please don’t think you need to be super mom. Hire out the cleaning, and order groceries to be delivered. There are so many services we can take advantage of these days to make life a bit easier. Once settled in a routine, setting up play dates is super important so you can still feel connected with others and your first kiddo doesn’t feel like their life has stopped just because their sibling has arrived.
Above all, let yourself feel the joy of being with your kids. Time does fly, and in the blink of an eye, they will be all grown up. Don’t sweat the small stuff, rely on your tribe, stay consistent, and just learn to adjust to different situations with a smile. Parenting is the hardest job I have ever had with the ever-changing stages they go through- realize we are all in the world, get it, and tune out the haters because no parent is perfect! Deep breaths- in and out, you got this!
