Lessons You Learn After Having Your Second Baby

Be it the first, second or fifth, bringing a new baby home and adding to the family is always a source of joy. However, going from one baby to two is a big jump, and the adjustments you will need to make when it comes to having multiple kids comes with new challenges and lessons to be learned. Kids make life exciting, and there is never a dull moment when you have two to keep you constantly occupied. And after the whirlwind of having your first baby, it’s nice to feel like you can finally unwind with your second one and relax for a bit. So, here are a few things you’ll learn after having your second baby and how to take it in stride. Read on to know them all!

In This Article

1. Every Child Needs Something Different

Every Child Needs Something Different
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The first thing you’ll learn is how there is no one size fits all approach to parenting. You may have figured out what kind of parent you are with your first one, only to be put into a bender all over again. Every child is different and needs different things from their parents. If your oldest one needed you to be patient, your younger one might need you to be energetic and a lot more interactive. As a parent you will have to invest time into understanding their different personalities and needs so that you can support and encourage them the way they want to be supported. As long as your kids are happy and healthy, the tiny details of how you do things don’t really matter as much. So don’t be afraid to alter your parenting style and switch things up a bit when your second one arrives.

2. You Have An Easier Time Surviving The Newborn Phase

You Have An Easier Time Surviving The Newborn Phase
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Since you’ve already gone through the chaotic and unpredictable newborn phase, you will be less likely to freak out over a random noise your baby is making and will be less anxious in general. Knowing what to expect and what to ease up on means that you won’t feel the need to keep track of every feed, diaper change and nap. There’s no need to over examine these things. Tricky things like breastfeeding that you might have struggled with the first time around may also seem simpler now that you know the different positions you can put your newborn in. Parenting a newborn comes with practice, so trust in your skills when your new one comes home with you.

3. Patience And Flexibility Are Your New Best Friends

Patience And Flexibility Are Your New Best Friends
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Every mother knows that things never go as planned when it comes to babies and kids. Patience will soon become a basic requirement of motherhood, especially if you have two kids of different age groups running around. And your ability to be flexible and go with the flow is what will get you through every day. Nothing teaches you the importance of adaptability like having a second child. You’ll have to change or cancel plans last minute, shuffle several schedules and let go of a lot of things that you never dreamed that you would. Like keeping your house in pristine condition at every given moment or always being 10 minutes early. Learning to work with your kids instead of forcing them to do things unsuccessfully will be one of the most integral lessons you will learn.

4. You Can Ask For Help

You Can Ask For Help
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Another thing you will be more comfortable with the second time around is asking for help. Mothers feel the need to do absolutely everything by themselves even when they are exhausted and need a break. But after already having dealt with one demanding little ball of sunshine, you’ll realize that it’s okay to ask for a helping hand once in a while. You don’t need to feel guilty or ashamed for hiring extra help, getting a babysitter or asking a trusted friend or family member to watch over your little one while you take a breather. After all, it does take a village to raise a child. And having more than one means that you’ll have your hands full most of the time. So, reach out to people when you are overwhelmed and give yourself a break.

5. Your Past Does Not Predict Your Future

Your Past Does Not Predict Your Future
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It doesn’t matter if you had a hard pregnancy or your delivery didn’t go as planned the first time around. Every pregnancy and birth is different. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a complicated pregnancy again. So, be positive and take things as they come. There’s no need to stress yourself out about something that hasn’t happened yet.

Having another baby is always a blessing. But having your second child comes with some unique and unexpected life lessons. Embrace all the changes coming your way and enjoy your two little ones!

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