Bottle Bonding

Just yesterday my friend Ann was showing me pictures of her new baby. And while he's cute as can be, the picture that store my heart was the one of her 6-year-old son, Jack, feeding the baby a bottle. Jack was smiling from ear to ear. For those of us who have second children, we always worry about how the first child will react and adjust to having a second one around. That's especially true when the first child is substantially older than the newborn and used to being an only child for so long. Having Jack be able to feed the baby undoubtedly makes him feel more a part of the little one's limelight. It surely makes him feel like he's as big a part of the family as he ever was. And, importantly, I'm sure it makes him feel bonded with his new brother. All of these feelings might happen anyway, but they might not happen so fast. Being able to feed his little brother with a bottle is almost certainly making the transition for Jack a little easier. And that brings smiles to everyones' faces.