Is my daughter's bad attitude and misbehavior because of the new baby?

United States
March 5, 2007 7:46pm CST
Ok, "the new baby" is now 14 months, but my 6 year old daughter continues to have a Rotten attitude and misbehaves at home. I at first thought it was a phase she was going through because of her new baby brother. It has been over a year now and she still seems to have issues. There are times when I just flat out ask her what her problem is. (Her attitude can be so rotten!) She usually squenches (sp.?) her face up and stomps out of the room shouting "Leave Me Alone"! Then, there are times when she will tell me that I spend a lot more time with her new brother than with her. I've tried explaining the fact that babies require a lot of time and attention, but she still seems to think it's not fair. I also work (part time) in the evenings, so I don't get to see her as much as I would like to. I spend all day with my 14 month old and I go to work about an hour after my daughter gets home from school. She's in bed, asleep, by the time I get home at night. Any ideas on what I can do to help the situation? Any advice would be deeply appreciated. I love my daughter and would like to have her loving and caring attitude towards life back.
2 people like this
2 responses
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Yes I am sure a lot of it is from jealousy. She has been the only child and the center of attention for many years. This is a big adjustment for her I am sure. Part of it is also her age and the things she is experiencing in school. You must find a day to make it all hers day. Get a babysitter and on your day off take just her somewhere special even if it is only for an hour or two. Make special time for her without the baby. Also name the day her name so it will be REAL special. Give her chores to help with the baby even if it is just washing the baby bottles. It is bery important to include her in the raising the baby. Good Luck!
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Mar 07
Making a special day for her sounds great! We hardly ever get time for just "mother and daughter" time. I will try that and see how she responds. I think she will love the idea!
• United States
6 Mar 07
You might try letting her help with the different things with the baby. Let her get you a diaper or go get the bottle set the baby on her lap and let her feed the baby. It sounds like she is just jealous of the baby and if you include her in the care of the baby she will feel useful and also she will also be spending time with you. Up until the baby was born she had you all to herself and I understand that the baby is now 14 months but your little girl has had to make a big adjustment and needs to be included into helping take care of the baby as well as her playing with the little one.