Question
My son's behavior has gotten a lot better since turning 4 and he is an amazing big brother.
My question is more on the mom guilt. My son will ask me, “Mami, can you play with me?” and 9/10 times I can’t either because of the baby or cooking or just getting things in the house in order. He will ask mama and 6/10 she will play with him but not as much as before. So the last two times in school when they have asked him, “what are you doing this weekend?” and he has said, “ I am going to play by myself then go to my friend's birthday party” or “ I am going to play paw patrol by myself.” Before he would always say I am going to play with mami or mama. I don’t know if this is a sign that he is not getting enough attention or if it is my mom guilt that just feels bad.
He is a child that really plays with all his toys. We don't use much screen time other than the TV but even then if he is watching paw patrol he gets all of the toys out to mimic the show. Anyway, is it not enough attention, mom guilt or normal? Lol
Answer
No need for guilt. Part of learning to have a sibling is to learn to play alone.
Actually playing alone is a skill that ALL children need to learn. This helps them in the preschool classroom to be one of many and to do better.
The fact that Mama plays 6/10 times is great and above and beyond what little ones get when they have a new sibling.
On the days where you feel very very guilty just make sure to touch him randomly when you walk by, kiss him randomly and if at all possible do one of the tasks at bedtime ( ie: book, bath or bed)
Remember that children experience the tasks of routine as love.