Tuesday, July 21, 2009

New Big Brother or Big Sister Gifts to Make Them Feel Unique

When a new baby boy or girl comes home for the first time it is something very special for the whole family. They are so small and delicate. A miracle is how I would describe a new baby. In the excitement of having a baby and going through 9 months of carrying him or her, we have come to love and care for them without even seeing them. That is how a sibling should feel too.
This might not be the same for all of the new big brothers or new big sisters out there. They might feel left out or they might think that they are not as special as they once were. Make them feel like they are still part of the family. Make them feel like this is their new baby boy or girl too.
When you have a baby shower for the parents, make sure to include the soon to be new big brother or sister in the celebration. There are a lot of sibling gifts that are on the market right now, just for this purpose. Sibling gifts are something to make them feel like they are playing a special role, in the new baby’s life. Because sometimes a big brother or big sister can feel left out. At a baby shower everyone is lavishing the mom to be with gifts for the baby, and this can be hard on the new sibling. Giving them their own special gift will help them feel like they have a new identity or new role in the family. Now the baby has a new role and so does the big brother or sister. They can now feel that they are needed to help take care of the new bundle of joy.
This little gesture for the big sister and big brother can be something small, like a photo album for all of the pictures of the two siblings together. Maybe a new doll for them to play with and pretend that it is their very own baby. What about getting them a book that talks about sharing with others, or having a new baby around. These kinds of things can help the big brother or big sister learn what it will be like when the baby comes along. It can help teach them something new. Maybe it will teach them to be more caring and without knowing it supportive as well.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

4th of July

As I'm setting here preparing for the 4th of July celebration that we as a family have every year, I can't help but wonder about the way it use to be when I was younger. I remember when you could let off fireworks in your yard, you didn't have to go somewhere else to see them and enjoy. You didn't have to worry about what would happen because everyone took precautions and as neighbors we enjoyed things together. My own children didn't know what it was like to see fireworks because it wasn't until the last two years that we were able to have them in neighboring towns. The one thing that I enjoy about the 4th of July is the family gatherings, fireworks and the giving of thanks to the people who made this all possible for me and my family. If it wasn't for them and their fight and struggles I would not have what I have today. I get to enjoy my freedom and do things in life that I want because of them. This year is extra special, because it will be the first year that my grand daughter will be able to see and enjoy the fireworks with us. I know that she is a little to small to actually hold them, but she will be able to see them. Like I said before my own children didn't get this option. It is great being a grand parent for the first time. I have already been through the parenting stage with one and I still have a few more years left before my last two are old enough to be out on their own, but it is great to share these memories with a new generation. To see her face when she gets to experience things for the first time, it is a fabulous feeling. This feeling is something I get every time we get to do something new. We just took her for the day to the park and after wards we went for ice cream at our favorite local ice cream spot. All the kids had a great time watching Kiley eating ice cream for the first time. Alex and Heather my other two children couldn't stop laughing at her and the way she ate it. Any way I better get going, before I run out of time and don't get all of the food done. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading this and it brings back memories of your own.