I've been watching my friends 10 month old son off and on the past few weeks while she is job searching. When she finds a job, it is very likely that I will be watching him full time until October, when they move to Hawaii.

Now, I need advice on how to deal with DD's jealousy. She doesn't like when I hold Jake or play with him. She's extra clingy and i've caught her trying to suck on her thumb. She cries when he does because shes not sure whats going on. I know I should pay more attention to her than Jake but if anyone has any good ideas to defeat this before it really becomes a problem would be great. I also think the practice would be good for when I do have another child someday.

By Missmudd on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 01:02 pm:

Try to get dd to interact positively w/ baby. Ask her to help take care of him and tell her what a big girl she is to help bring diapers or pick up toys or hold the bottle for baby. She needs to feel like a more important entity than the stranger baby that sometimes comes. Have her play w/ the baby, making sure of course that you watch. Reward positive behavior and attitudes. Make sure she knows when baby is going to come and when he is going to leave so that she knows how long her good behavior is expected and then reward her at the end of the day for her actions.

By Rayanne on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 02:55 pm:

I couldn't have said it any better Kristin.