Keeping Thing 1 and 2 Connected

A few weeks ago I visited our neighbors who just brought their second child into this world. As my kids were playing with their oldest, Grady, who’s four, we were talking about the toll that a new baby brings on to the other kids in the family. Jarin and I didn’t really experience that with Cade – he was only 19 months old when Alayna joined us. Therefore, his memories of family have always included a sister. Grady, on the other hand, is old enough to express her feelings, and truly embraced the sense of being left out. 

As we left their house I realized this was going to be Cade and Layna too. They are old enough to vocalize feelings and it was truly so important that, as parents, we find a way to ensure they felt included from the moment our baby girl arrives. I searched the internet, looked on Pinterest, walked the craft aisles at Target and Michael’s, and finally I ended up with the idea of Big Brother and Big Sister Kits.

I started with activities for them to do as they spend time in the hospital with us – crayons, activity books, games, snacks and puzzles. Then I added new shirts, as an element explaining their big, new role as Big Brother and Big Sister. Next, and most importantly, I connected the kits to the main purpose. With a new baby, hand sanitizer would set ground rules for clean hands before touching and personalized onsies, decorated with fabric markers, would be the perfect touch!

After finding some cheap baskets and adding some tulle, they were done. Wah-la! I can’t wait to see their excitement when they find their gifts sitting in the hospital room!