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Most parents dread the arrival of their second child, as much as they're excited. How can I ever love another child as much as this first one? What if I don't have enough love for the second child? Will I be able to spend such beautiful quality time with the first, if the second is going to take up so much time?
For whatever period of time, your first born was your only priority and having to share that attention may feel like a strange transition. Naturally, a new baby is extremely dependent on you so it may be a little tough to manage your time (props to you for being a parent and doing exactly that).
Being in a situation where your youngest requires all your attention may not sit too well with your other children, leaving them feeling jealous or neglected. This is completely normal for a lot of children, while others may not have this sense of jealously at all, which is completely normal too.
The truth is, love doesn't get divided, it grows. Your heart will double in size and there'll be plenty of love to spare. Time? That's another issue!
Do you ever feel like you cheated or are cheating on your first child with your second? How did you deal with the situation? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
One parent took to Reddit's r/Parenting community to ask: Does anyone ever feel like they’re “cheating on” their first child with their second?
Here are some of the responses and sound advice, which many of us can relate to:
“There’s a lot more overt lovey-dovey silliness with my younger”
With babies in general, people tend to get a little bit more excited, call it "baby-fever" if you will. They usually get showered with love because of it, but older children may not take to the affection the same way. Nothing to feel guilty about.
“There is so much love to go around”
There really is enough love for everyone, it's all about finding that balance.
