Hi moms,
I am expecting #2 and was wondering if there was a link between the temperment of the 1st and 2nd. My first baby was very difficult.....fussy, demanding, cryed a lot, and lived in my sling....he would cry if was put down or held by anyone else. He is now 3 and a great little guy, but still very emotional, tempermental and "spirited". I was just hoping someone out there had a difficult baby and then an easier, happier one next.
I've seen every possible combination of personalities among siblings, so I wouldn't waste too much time worrying about it. I hope your second baby is easier to parent.
I agree with the previous post.
One temperament is not at all predictor of siblings temperaments.
In some families, all are the same and in others all are different.
Our case:
1- a whinning, serious, quiet and very affectionate son. Can focus on something for amazing amount of time. Sleeps like a rock. Enjoy quiet activities (puzzles, books...) and wants to hug/kiss/cuddle at all times. Very obedient.
2- a strong-willed, active, happy little girl. Very sensitive to everything around her and takes the world in by all her senses. Is not that affectionate, cannot be rocked to sleep (too much excitement for her senses). Wakes up at the smallest noise/light. Either laughs or has a fit.
They look alike physically but are opposed as temperament, with some things easy/ difficult to handle in each of them.
Human being are unique. They may be similar or polar opposites in temperment.
I will add, though, that tempermant aside, I find that each baby gets easier (I have 3 kids) because the first time around every single thing you did was the very first time you were doing it. The next time around, you losen up a bit, hopefully learn from your mistakes, and are more willing to try new things (like letting your baby cry just a bit longer than you ever let the first one cry so you can tend to the first born or make dinner with BOTH hands)
Oh...and I believe with all my heart that people who say their children are deeply effected by sugar and red dye have an allergy to it. My neice is a mean little wild animal when she eats sugar but sweet when her parents refrain. My kids and the kids of nearly everyone else I know are not effected in that way from red dye and/or sugar.
Most of the parents we know have one of each kind. One easy going and the other very hard to manage. What we notice about our own in their actions/personallity has alot to do with what they eat. If they eat food with food coloring and/or tons of sugar in it (example: red velvet cupcake, colorful cereals) then they end up hyper, very needy and uncontrollable. If they eat pretty healthy (homemade mac & cheese, lots of fruits/veggies) then they're the most wonderful and sweetest kids.
We joke all the time that if we had baby #2 first...he would have been an only child:)
All kids are different...hopefully you will have an easier time with #2!
Mine were the opposite. My first one was a "perfect baby". Never cried or fussed unless something was really wrong. #2, whines, cries, and definitely has a different temperment than his big brother. My best friend had very colicky first one, and now a very good natured second, so every one is going to be different.
