When Sweet Pea was 2 1/2, we were expecting Pickles. We had explained to Sweet Pea that his brother would be born in the hospital and that he would come home and live here in the house with us. This was pretty confusing to 2 year old Sweet Pea and he asked about it a lot.
Yes, we would remind him, your brother baby Pickles is going to stay here in the house with us forever and sleep in that crib.
One day Sweet Pea was playing in his room with some toys by himself. He had never done that before so it really got my attention. (I don’t think he has ever done it since, for that matter.) I stood outside his room where I could hear him talking to himself.
Sweet Pea (annoyed, angry voice): No want her stay here!
Sweet Pea (completely resigned, head down, responding to his own comment): Her gonna stay here… Her my bruther.
Unfortunately, we still revisit that attitude more than I would like. I know he is not the only older sibling who had second thoughts. Right? I’d love to hear about it!
My oldest son is a 21 year old college student and my other son is 13 and in 8th grade. I don’t think my oldest has accepted that his brother is here to stay yet! At certain times anyway!
My husband’s mother says that the oldest never really forgives you for having the second. Glad to hear I am not alone!