As a parent, there’s a noticeable difference in how we treat our youngest compared to our firstborn. I remember when my first child, Ethan, was the only focus of my world for five years. I lavished him with attention and let him get away with far too much, perhaps raising a little spoiled prince. I was hyper-vigilant, scrutinizing every move he made. Then came my second son, Lucas, and suddenly, things changed. I found myself much more relaxed and willing to bend the rules for my youngest.
Now that Lucas is almost four, I find myself indulging him like never before. Honestly, I’m a bit hesitant to let him grow up. Just the other day, I joked that we could skip his birthday this year if it meant he could stay three a little longer! If you’re anything like me, you might relate to these ten things that often fly under the radar for our youngest kids that would have been unthinkable for our first.
- First Snacks Include Dirt: Believe it or not, when Lucas was just five months old, he managed to scoot over to the front door and chow down on some dirt from the doormat. Gross, right? But hey, at least he was adventurous!
- Cribs and High Chairs Stick Around: I recently parted with a crib that had been in our bedroom for a decade. It’s a bittersweet moment when you realize you just can’t let go of those baby items. The high chair? Still attached to the table, even if it’s a tight squeeze for Lucas.
- Candy Bribes Are Your Best Friends: I carry lollipops everywhere. Whether it’s to coax Lucas into the car or keep him quiet during a parent-teacher meeting, a little candy goes a long way. Sometimes, you just have to do what it takes to keep the peace.
- Apps for Learning: With Ethan, we spent hours reading books to teach him the alphabet. Lucas, on the other hand, picked it up even earlier thanks to a colorful app on my phone he figured out at just 12 months. Technology can be a lifesaver!
- Baby Habits Last Longer: When it comes to weaning, pacifiers, or that beloved blankie, I’m in no rush to take those comforts away from Lucas. Knowing he won’t be a baby forever makes me cherish these moments even more.
- Goldfish for Every Meal: When mealtime comes, Goldfish crackers often make an appearance. I’ve learned that with a second child, these phases are temporary, and soon enough, he’ll be munching on carrot sticks.
- Baby Talk Is Adorable: I find myself encouraging Lucas’s baby talk instead of correcting it. For a while, I wanted him to always call lemonade “lema-lade.” It’s just too cute to let go of!
- Less Panic Over Scrapes: I recall how I would immediately rush to the doctor with Ethan for the slightest ailment. With Lucas, if he complains of a hurt heart but is running around moments later, I tend to brush it off.
- Household Chaos: Lucas has had his fair share of fun making a mess. From pouring soap all over himself to rolling in laundry, I sometimes just let him be, enjoying the brief moments of silence.
- Emotional Birthday Tears: As his next birthday approaches, I find myself getting teary-eyed. I may have just bought him a massive toy that barely fit through the door. The thought of him growing up is too much to bear, and I want to hold onto these moments for as long as I can.
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In summary, the difference in parenting styles between your first and youngest child can lead to some amusing and heartwarming situations. We often find ourselves more relaxed and indulgent with our youngest, savoring those fleeting moments of childhood.