three new children in my life ( Archived) (18)

Don't buy before checking out if they have any favorite toys they might want to bring along (especially the younger ones, they may feel more secure in a newer situation if they have along a special toy or blanket, or pacifier, or whatever sooths them) -- or favorite types of toys that you could buy. (1 yr olds are easy -- something soft/colorful/makes noise/that they can safely put in their mouths.)

And be kind, calm and patient as much as you can, but don't be fake, young children can often tell intuitively if you are trying too hard.

How soon after you meet them will you be the sole caretaker, and for how long of a period of time? If it is overnight, find out as much as you can about bedtime rituals that they like (touch like soft stroking on their back, arms, snuggling, favorite bedtime story or music, etc.)

Baths can also be a place for favorite toys, songs or games. Kids also often like adults to be silly and make up funny songs or stories, and will want to hear them over and over and over!

Anything that helps them relax, makes them feel safe, secure and loved that you can do for them (that they will allow you to do) is a good thing to get established. You might also want to consider taking them shopping with your bf standing back a little, and letting the two older ones choose some special things that they can enjoy when they are with you. The one yr old may have some preferences as well!

just be you...
if the relationship works or not...kids are little radars.. might as well let them see you...

If you do something dumb, laugh it off... Besides, little ones love a laugh, ehehe...

Oh shoot, honey, you've got it made in the shade with kids that age. The 5 year old will probably tell you EXACTLY what she thinks and what she wants to do, 30 times a day, 30 different ways.

The 1 and 2 year old just want to play and eat.

Life is good.

Pete wrote:
"They are just little people not really different from you or I.."

Pete said it all right there! If you actually view them as people instead of as "kids" you'll make the best friends ever!!!

View them as "kids" you lose!

They are little PEOPLE!

Tons of parents around the world could use a lesson on this too. ;o)

Grrr... I had a whole LONG post about child safety and the site burped and I lost it all!!

CHILD SAFETY

check for/clean up/put out of reach:

*major dust bunnies (don't want them eaten)
*coins and other small objects - on floor, between cushions, under furniture, lying around on top of furniture (don't want them put in mouth and choked on, I think the standard size to watch out for is something a bit smaller than a toilet paper tube?)
*houseplants (poisonous and/or just plain fun to pick apart)
*household cleansers (poisonous! 2 yr olds and some 1 yr olds can get into cabinets!)
*kitty litter (don't want in mouth or all over floor)
*put wide, heavy tape on all exposed electrical outlets (don't want curious fingers or metal things stuck in there)
*any breakable objects
*staircases (very dangerous, get a baby gate)
*if the baby has a walker, any small steps or stairs dangerous
*anything a newly balancing toddler can grab onto for balance and fall down with (rickety or light furniture) especially small tables with heavy objects on them
*ironing board with plugged in iron
*any hot appliance with cord hanging down within reach of any of them
*sharp objects in drawers that the 5 yr old can reach

Please don't freak out about this, it's really not that complicated once you get in the habit of looking at things from a small child's point of view, it becomes a natural thing.

Meilandra wrote"
"CHILD SAFETY

check for/clean up/put out of reach:"

So in other words, don't bring any small children within 10 miles of my house!

OK...I didnt read any of the other post.....sorry but this comes right from me!!

You need to be your self...kids are much smarter than most give them credit for...they pick up on everything!!
Don't do anything just to try and please them....
They need to respect you for you......not for what you will do for them!!!

Best of luck to ya!!