So, you have that one little cutie in your life. You think you couldn’t possibly love another like that first. You think you have it all figured out with that one little love. However, you decided you want to grow that little family and add another child.

To me, your heart expands when you have a second child. You don’t replace the love for the first. You allow more room in your heart and you fall head over heels all over again. But with all that said, it is a whole different journey with two.

First off, grow eyes in the back of your head and maybe an extra pair of arms. It is a blessing to have multiple children for parents and siblings. But the work load doesn’t just double, but maybe even triples. When you have one settled the other one needs something. I find success by carving out one on one time with each child.

It is a very different world for the oldest sibling to welcome a new addition into their world. So, let them be a part of that change and welcome their help with your new bundle of joy. Make the older siblings big helpers let them play a pivotal role in the baby’s life.

The first child isn’t used to sharing attention or time. The first child needs to know he is still important and loved. Giving him his own one on one time allows him to know you still love and care for him. Also, even a toddler sibling can help with the care of their new sibling. This makes them feel important and part of the change.

Routine is also a major helper with maintaining the chaos of new baby and siblings. Establish a routine early and stick to it as much as possible. Even as adults we like to know what to expect from day to day. Children are no different. When things are going to be different discuss how the day is going to look for your children. This doesn’t only allow for children to adjust but also builds amazing vocabulary and communication skills. Routine helps everyone feel in control of the day.

You still need you time. Welcoming another addition in the family can be very overwhelming for everyone involved. It is especially time consuming for mom. However, you still need to be beyond mom. You need to be an individual that still carves out a little time for yourself. This can mean half an hour for reading or just time reflecting on the day. Personal health is just as important as the health of the little people in your stead.

Beyond all else remember that each of your children just need to feel loved and respected. It is a big change for all involved to welcome a new addition to the family. It is a blessing for all involved even in the time of chaos. Remember even in the craziest of times that you can do this and embrace each minute.

-Ms. Michaela R.
Child Success Advocate

We all have our moments where we don’t want to be bothered as soon as we come home from a long day. We just want a couple minutes to ourselves to wash away the people who gave us attitude, and who used the toilet paper without refilling it. At the same time, we then feel guilty for not spending that time with our kids.

We get so caught up in our world thinking that we are tired for working FOR our kids to have nice lives, but then we become absent at home. So how do you find balance?

There are those that say you will never find balance, that life is always going to raise you up then knock you down and the cycle will endlessly repeat itself. But there are things you can do to help transition from employee to dad/mom.

Talk to your kids! Ask them “Would you like to hear about my day?” on the car ride home, I can almost guarantee that they will not understand, of course but they will listen to you. You are then able to release all the negative energy you had from the day and not think about it because you just spilled your guts to a 2-year-old. Even if you must over talk them, just do it.

All the kiddos need is your involvement, they want to see you happy and kids can feed off our vibes.
It is a tricky line to find, to be engaged with our children and their lives, yes nobody said it was easy. Being an engaged parent has many benefits for a child such as, increasing feelings of love and acceptance, building self-confidence, and providing guidance and opportunities to grow.
Think about your kids’ day too!

Be random. Take your kiddo out not only when he\she has a awesome day at school; what about a date with your little one because their having a rough day? Give them random kisses and hugs (which never get old to them!).

Make the effort. Obviously we can’t be around our kiddos 24/7. But of all the ways to be involved, trying is CRUCIAL. If it’s taking 10 minutes to kick around a ball in the background, it could turn into something and a memory that your child will remember. It just takes one step!

~Ms. Tenesha
Safety & Health Coordinator

It’s coming, the first day of the school year. Maybe this is your little’s first day of first grade, or second grade, or even the BIG first day of kindergarten. Either way, it’s the first day of another chapter in your lives. Change evokes nervous behavior (and possible separation anxiety) in anyone, including our children, and it’s our job as parents to be ready to help our kids through that process.

The first day of a new school, or a sudden change to daily life, has the possibility to spark a phase of separation anxiety within young children. We’ve all seen it, especially as parents or as early educators, the heart-tugging drop-offs or the behavioral adaptations that take place as a result. But the GOOD news in that perceived chaos, is that it is in fact, a phase.

Separation anxiety is a completely normal part of early development. In fact, many experts in the field of child development state that separation anxiety can come and go all the way until your kid is twelve years old. But once again, it is a completely NORMAL process for young minds to go through.

So what exactly is separation anxiety? Technically, this form of anxiety happens when children are separated from attachment figures for long periods of time. This can include being away from parents, grandparents, and even siblings.

Why does it happen? The short answer is: your child is learning how to cope with change. Usually, separation anxiety happens when a sudden life change occurs. While the first day of school definitely counts as a sudden change, so does an addition to the family, a loss of someone close, or moving, for example.

Here are some common signs of separation anxiety:

• Crying and/or tantrums – This tends to be a staple in those hard drop offs. Children, especially young children, have a hard time expressing their frustration, fear, or sadness and thus a tantrum ensues.
• “Clinginess” – You may notice your child has to be with you at ALL times, including when you go number two in the bathroom, and this is a possible sign of separation anxiety. This is different than wanting/needing one on one time with attachment figures, separation anxiety presents an EXTREME version of this.
• Regressing – This includes a behavioral or physical “step backwards”. A developmental example of regressing would be potty training. Say your son was doing great with potty training, in fact he has been accident free for a month! But since then your family has moved states and now, he has a couple accidents a day. This would be a sign of normal regression.

So how can we help our children with the coping process of change, and help minimize the possible separation anxiety?

1. Set the example- Once again, separation anxiety occurs as a means of coping with change. Children learn best by example and you have the ability to set a positive example on how to handle the change in a positive way.
2. Have conversations- Simply talking to your child and putting words to his feelings can help him express his anxiety in a healthy way.
3. Routine- If drop off seems to be a rough adjustment for your little one, try setting a routine to help him process what is coming and help grasp a sense of security. A great example is singing his favorite song beforehand.
4. Breathe- A lot easier said than done, right? But take some deep breaths and know that this is all a part of healthy development. Reach out for help if you need it and know that this too shall pass.

Most importantly, enjoy the time. Elementary school is going to fly by, so cherish those walks to the school bus or the walk to the front door. Thanks for the read!

-Ms. Caitlin
Wellness Coordinator