Most surprising to me is how close my kids are.  They get along and play non stop most of the time.  I know that won’t always be the case, and likely as soon as I hit publish the tides will turn on me!  And now, I only have two and a half years under my belt in this sibling thing, so really what do I know?  A lot of this is plain luck.  But a couple people have asked how they get along so well?  what did you do?  So here’s a post on what helped us in those newborn days…

1. 1.  When I was pregnant I read a ton of books and we watched Daniel tiger’s “new baby” episode a few times. I prepared him as much as possible for what to expect.  Here’s a few of our favorites during that time:

1. When Wes arrived I tried to include him in everything.  When wes was a crying newborn, I’d ask Tuck what he thought was wrong.  Having help him diagnose the problem was pretty cute but also made him feel involved.  I also had him fetch diapers, clothes, etc.
2. We napped for so long together in those early months.  It was mostly out of survival, but also because I thought there’s something sweet that’s fostered between them in that.  Being close to his baby was his favorite.
3. Whenever Tuck had been somewhere I always made sure to have a little something for him from Wesley.  Not big things but a hot wheel or a couple stickers.  We’d pick him up from school, and I’d have something in his carseat and tell him it was from his brother.  He loved that!  As a two year old, he totally believed that this little two week old picked him out something (:  I hoped it made him think he was always being thought of by his brother!
4. With my first son I stayed in a lot, but with a toddler that’s hard to do.  We went so many places as a family, and just the three of us too.  I took Wes places I would have not taken Tuck before six months.  I think having wesley usually along for the ride helped tuck be very aware of him.  There were certain limitations, and I just think that helped him think more of Wes, and his needs as a baby.  I’m not sure if that makes sense!
5. I had Tuck at home until a little after Wesley was born.  I think having his own thing really helped him with his sense of self, and to have his own thing going

I’d love to hear ideas on how you help foster sibling love?  I’ll need help as they get older!!