My child and pregnancy: understanding and supporting your emotions when a baby arrives
Introduction :
The arrival of a baby shakes up the whole family, and your eldest child is no exception! Your pregnancy can cause unexpected behavior in him: a preference for his father's arms, crying when you arrive at daycare, or even regressive attitudes. These reactions, although destabilizing, are a way for the child to express his emotions in the face of this big change. By understanding these behaviors, you will be able to better support your child and strengthen his sense of security.
The paradox of rejection: when rejection hides a need for love
When a child appears to reject his mother during pregnancy, it is not a true rejection, but an expression of a deep need for affection and security. By pushing his mother away, he is trying to test the strength of his bond with her. It is his way of saying, "Mom, show me that you still love me, even if a baby comes."
A common example of this behavior is seen when the child cries at daycare when his mother arrives. It may seem paradoxical, but this crying often reflects anxiety: the fear of no longer being the center of attention. Faced with these situations, it is important to remain calm, to welcome the child's emotions, and to reassure him that your love remains intact.
Understanding Child Regression During Pregnancy
Regressive behaviors are common in children when the arrival of a baby is imminent. Here are the main reasons behind these reactions:
Difficulty expressing jealousy : Young children do not yet have the words to verbalize complex emotions, such as jealousy they may feel toward the unborn baby.
Return to a form of security : By adopting more childish behaviors, which they already master, children reassure themselves in the face of uncertainty.
Lack of emotional maturity : At 2 years old, children do not yet understand the concepts of before and after, which makes the concept of the arrival of a baby very destabilizing.
Awareness of upcoming change : Older children (3-4 years) realize that the birth of a baby will change their daily life and their place within the family.
Fear of losing your attention : The main anxiety often lies in the fear of no longer being the center of your world.
Misunderstanding of what a little brother or sister represents : The concept of having another child in the family remains abstract for them.
Conclusion :
These regressive behaviors and paradoxical emotions, although worrying for parents, are a normal stage for the child. With patience, listening, and reassuring gestures, you can help him through this transition while reinforcing his sense of security. By understanding his reactions, you offer him the keys to flourish in this new role of big brother or big sister.
At Les Mousquetaires , our daycare in Luxembourg, we know that this period is not easy, neither for children nor for their parents. This is why, in addition to supporting children, we provide personalized support to families. Our teams are there to listen, advise and guide parents in this important transition. Understanding your child's reactions, adapting your own behaviors, and finding soothing solutions becomes easier with our caring support.
By integrating the specificities of each family, our Leudelange nursery offers a safe and stimulating environment. Whether for the child or for his parents, we work hand in hand to make the arrival of a baby a positive and enriching experience for the whole family.