Our Little Helper

We are only three weeks into being a family of four, but my gut feeling based on our experience so far is that four years is the ideal age difference between siblings. At least for our two girls.

There are two main reasons for this:
1) Our four-year-old is ready, willing, and able to help in so many ways that a younger sibling could not.
2) The four-year-old isn't so much older than the newborn that she is disinterested.

How Anna Claire helps with the new baby:
Before Madeline was born, I envisioned Anna Claire fetching diapers and pacifiers for me, but I couldn't have imagined how many ways she would actually help out.

Anna Claire loves to hold the baby on the Boppy. This is so helpful to me when I just need five minutes hands-free to pick up the room or pack the diaper bag for an outing. Anna Claire is so gentle with the baby, and Baby Madeline seems to enjoy it as well. I have also read several baby books in the last few months that all express how important this cuddle time is between siblings when the baby is first born for them to effectively establish a close bond.

Anna Claire helps bathe the baby. So far we have only given "sponge baths," but I allow Anna Claire to do most of the bathing, then I go behind her once she's left the room and re-bathe where she may miss and area or step. Anna Claire is made to feel she's doing it herself.

Anna Claire always attends diaper changes. She's not changing diapers, nor does she want to, but she she is so helpful during. She will go fetch Butt Paste or Aquaphor for me if the change is in another room. Most importantly and enjoyably for both girls, Anna Claire entertains Madeline during the change. She talks to her and they look at one another in the mirror. She also turns the lamp on and off for me at the changing table. And it's her job to make sure Madeline's paci makes it to and from the nursing station.

I am wowed at how much Anna Claire is helping with chores. She is clearing the kitchen table after dinner all on her own. We've never asked her to do it. She just started doing it after the baby was born and has been taking care of this for us ever since! She's also picking up all of her toys after bath and putting them away, as well has hanging up the wash cloth to dry and peeling the non-skid fish from the bottom of the tub after bath. Anna Claire also gets snacks herself, or will run downstairs to fetch something for me or relay a message to Larry for me.

She is embracing being more independent these last few weeks, and it couldn't have come at a better time. We were helping her with so many things, admittedly more than we should help a four-year old. I am almost embarrassed to admit it, but before the baby, we were still dressing her for school, brushing her teeth, putting DVDs in for her, and assisting her with handwashing and going potty. Now she is doing these things for herself.

A new baby would entitle any older sibling to be difficult, emotional, jealous, or to act out. But I feel so blessed to be on the other end of the spectrum...that we have a big sister so willing to be an active participant in caring for her baby. She loves her so much!