Older child dominates younger child
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Is it normal that the first kid influences, shape and maybe even overshadows your second kids? Am I in my head that my oldest has robbed my second of his own baby years and own individuality because he entered a world of chaos with such a dominating brother? Does separating them help to give them their own space to grow and develop?
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It’s definitely super normal that the older kid influences your younger kid. As a licensed family, counselor and parenting coach, I really don’t agree with thinking the younger one is wrapped of things by having an older sibling. Birth order does have different influences on a child’s personality, but there are always strengths along with challenges. Having an immediate buddy right there is quite positive for younger kids. And they get more pure interaction than the oldest kids got. So I wouldn’t stress about needing to create a different environment.
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@whodatbritt How old are you kids? If the youngest one is under 3 it is pretty normal, and those 2nd borns are just a bit more chill about not being the center of attention. Once the 2nd born gets older he will get his voice and put him in his place HA!