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Taking Care Of A Toddler When You're Pregnant
The demands of a toddler can be both physically and emotionally draining. Add a new pregnancy to the mix and that’s a recipe for exhaustion. I have found it the hardest in the beginning of the pregnancy and at the very end. For those women that suffer from extreme morning sickness, taking care of a toddler exacerbates the tiredness and nausea.
There are times when you just need to slump over on the sofa and rest for a while. Toddlers are still yet exploring their world and need to be carefully watched, making it difficult for mom to rest unless their toddler is sleeping. Making sure you eat a well balanced diet and stay well hydrated will help to combat fatigue. Also taking a walk outside and enjoying the fresh air (weather permitting) will help to rejuvenate you. If you have family or close friends that live nearby, enlist their help. You can explain to them that you just need to get over the hump of the tough parts to the pregnancy.
You can arrange for a playdate or see if they can babysit for you once a week. You can also try contacting your local high school to see if you can hire a high school student as a mother’s helper. You can get them to help watch your toddler as well as do some light housework for you. Some high schools and colleges offering early education courses have programs where they try and place teenagers in daycare/nanny situations as part of an internship. This is a great way to get some needed help.
You can also ask your husband or partner to pitch in more around the house during this difficult time. On the weekends, you can try and catch up on some rest with you and your husband taking turns caring for your toddler.
While resting and getting all of your chores done is important, spending enough time with your toddler during the pregnancy is more important. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the joy of the new pregnancy but you don’t want to forget about your toddler. Make time for your child by playing with their toys, playing outdoors, taking them to a park and spending extra time cuddling.
Many libraries have mommy and me classes that you can go to for free. Joining a playgroup is another way you can enjoy activities together. Not only are these good activities for you both, but great ways for your toddler to begin socializing. Another idea is for you and your toddler to do special crafts together. They will cherish that special mommy and me time.
As your belly grows your toddler will have the realization that there will soon be a new baby brother or sister. They will go through a big adjustment once the baby is born. This is all normal. But, making sure you spend adequate time with them during the pregnancy will help build a lasting bond with you and your child. Once the baby is born, continue to have special playtimes with your toddler. It will definitely help lessen any jealousy or attention issues.
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