When it comes to Liam, he is generally a wonderful big brother. He plays with Kiri, cheers him on when he accomplishes a new skill, and baby talks and hugs him several times a day. But, especially since Kiri became mobile, some waves of angst have appeared on the lake of brotherhood. Kiri is a baby, and he knocks toys over, steals them, and scratches and pinches. All without knowing better, of course, but that explanation wears thin some days, and if we parents aren’t quick enough to step in with a distraction or full-blown Baby Removal Services, Liam every so often pushes or grabs his brother rather roughly.
It seems that having a one-year-old brother can be a stressor for even a laid-back four-year-old. I overheard this conversation the other night :
Kevin: “You can’t push Kiri, he’s little!”
Liam: “I want him to be big so he knows not to take my stuff!”
Kevin: “He doesn’t always treat you with respect, does he?”
Liam: “No he doesn’t, and I liked him better before he could move.”
Kevin (laughing): “I can understand that. But things will get better.”
Liam: “It’s just, um, um, just….”
Kevin: “It’s just what?”
Liam: “Well, actually Daddy, it’s just that I didn’t realize how hard it would be to have a baby in the house.”
The funny thing is I distinctly remember saying that myself when Liam was a baby and we went through our first round of croup…I guess the feeling is universal.
Out of the mouths of babes! I remember saying that too. And I also didn’t realize how had it would be to have a 2yo, and a 3yo, and a 4yo, and a…
Oh, how true, Liam! Isaac is discovering the same thing these days. Little sibs can be fun. But, they can also mean lots of trouble!
Yes, it is quite an adjustment! I wonder how my kids would react to a baby at this point — I suspect not too favorably.
Aww. It is hard to be the first born. I assume it is hard to be the second born as well, but I only have experience being the first ;-). I think C is now glad he has a sister, although the other day he asked for a baby Just so A would know how annoying it was to have a little sister.
He hit the nail on the head. It’s definitely a tough thing to adjust to as a big sibling. M recently (after almost 4 years as the Big Sis) made a comment about it being hard having a little sister