22 Month Old Regression After Bringing Home New Baby

Don't go backwards!! Start talking to you daughter about what "big girls" get to do. She is obviously having a problem with the new baby. This is normal.

Set aside special times in the day and evening to do big girl stuff and remind her that big girla who get these special times stay in their bed. If she has a screaming at night, then no big girl times the next day - none.

This is all about the new baby - and it is normal. Remember that children learn what we teach them and it is your job to teach her that she is not in charge.

God Bless

It is natural for your 22 month old to be feeling needy.
My eldest, a boy, didn't act up. My second, a girl, did to my third child, a girl. Maybe it is the competition? She cried and disrupted pre-school class and was almost kicked out. Some of things we tried were: 1.) I spent mommy and sissy time
2.) I gave her a necklace of mine to wear at night to keep me close to her heart. 3.) I would place a kiss in her palm and she would hold it tight until the morn to give back to me. Through the years I have always tried to do something special or buy something that was just for her. It is hard for her also being the middle child. I celebrated major events and milestone with her. She is in High School now. Have fun with Georgia and let her know how special she is to you and that no one can take her place in your life.

My kids are 21 months apart, and it was a BIG adjustment for us all to get used to. So I feel for you! Perhaps nothing has changed in your daughter's bedtime routine, but if you think about the big picture, everything has changed for her.

When our daughter was born, our son went from being the center of attention, to having to share mom and dad's attention with a very demanding newborn--all through the day. What I needed to do (and it was hard with the demands of a newborn) was deliberately give him attention and special time with him during the day. This really helped with behavior overall. For example, when it was time to nurse the baby, instead of retreating to the bedroom, I let my son sit on the couch right beside me and we'd watch a bit of a favorite show together while the baby nursed. It might be that your daughter is missing her special attention, and it's showing up in her acting out at bedtime. If you are able to give her more special time during the day, it might help all around.

Also, it's probably going to take her more than 2 weeks to really get used to having the new tiny person in the house (and in her room). You might need to change her bedtime routine a little during the adjustment period. Perhaps when it's tuck-in time for your toddler, it could also be bedtime feeding for the baby? If you have a chair or rocker in the girls' room, you could feed the baby in the dim light while your toddler is falling asleep. It would help her feel near to you, but she would have to understand that she must stay in bed quietly or it would disturb the baby and you would have to leave the room. Because this arrangement is connected to the baby's feeding, you don't have to worry about keeping it up forever.
Hope you find something that helps!

Hi S.,
As a family therapist, I must point out-- *everything* in your older girl's life has changed-- suddenly there is a competitor for all of Mommy and Daddy's love, attention, affection-- you name it! Instead of pretending it doesn't matter, talk about it with her-- say things like, 'I know you must be angry that you have to share with baby, now-- I would/did feel the same way. I know it must make you scared, but I will always love you-- always, always, always'. She's looking for reassurance, and the best way to provide it is to get to the point.
Good luck-- I know you must be desperate enough for lseep without this!
Z.