Relationships are tricky enough when they are a two-person endeavour. Add more people to the equation (one baby, two babies, grandparents, etc.), and they become a jungle of potential pitfalls and conflict. No matter how open and psychologically aware parents are, family life has a tendency to provide everyone involved with ample material for future therapy sessions. One common complaint is that new fathers feel left out as mothers bond with their new baby. Older siblings have also been known to develop jealousy issues when a new baby arrives. Even later on, when everyone is reasonably grown up and settled in their roles, it can be hard to make time for family events, not to mention one-on-one time with various family members. Babycenter’s® expert urges you to talk about these problems, no matter how awkward it may feel, while Raising Children Network sings the praises of organisation; The links below offer some takes on and solutions to the various issues that can arise from new family equations.
BabyCenter Australia®
"I’m A New Dad and I’m Jealous Of The Baby"
"It’s completely normal to be jealous of your wife’s relationship with your new baby — especially if she’s bonding with him through breastfeeding. But it’s important to ask yourself who’s really making you jealous: your wife, for being so close with your baby? Or your baby, for coming between you and your wife? My guess is probably both. Whatever the cause of your jealousy, it’s best to get your feelings out in the open. Start by talking to your partner as clearly and honestly as possible."…read the full article
Parenting South Australia
"Second Baby"
"The birth of a new baby is one of the most stressful times in a young child’s life, especially if your other child is two or under. As your toddler has not yet formed a strong inner sense of security and as there is always less of your time available when a new baby arrives, your toddler can feel less loved." …read the full article
Raising Children Network
"Family Management"
"Families come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, so long as it provides a solid and loving base for your children. But a happy, well-functioning family doesn’t just happen – it takes a bit of effort." …read the full article
iVillage
"Jealous of Husband’s Closeness to Baby"
"My husband and I have been married three years and we have a one-year-old son. I went back to work full-time about five months ago; my husband works part-time and is home with our son half-days. [...] I hate to admit it, but I am jealous of the fact that my son prefers my husband to me! When our son needs a hug, he almost always reaches for daddy. When my husband leaves the room, my son starts to cry. I know it’s crazy, but I have to stop myself from competing with my husband to see if I can ‘make’ the baby prefer me!"…read the full article
Dr. Spock
"Grandparents’ Relationship with Parents"
"In many parts of the world, grandparents are considered experts, and young parents take it for granted that when they have a question about their babies or need a little help, the grandparents will be there. When parents have this kind of confidence in the grandparents, they can get not only advice but also comfort. In the United States, though, new parents are often more inclined to turn to their doctors first, and some don’t ever think of consulting their mothers or fathers."…read the full article
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Babble Australia
“In Defense Of Sibling Rivalry”
