A child's drawing of the "Dad Olympics"

The image above is called "Dad's Olympic Gymnastics" by the young artist who created it on a paper placemat.

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Thriving With More Than One

Tim Graves, M.S.Ed.

 

You can thrive with more than one by:

  • adjusting your approach to each child based upon a knowledge of developmental levels.

  • striving to improve each child's feelings of self-worth.

  • not being afraid to treat children differently.

  • striving NOT to compare children, accepting each as an individual.

  • allowing yourself time away from the children.

  • allowing time for you and your spouse as a couple.

  • accepting that you, like ALL parents, make mistakes and are imperfect.

 You can help ONE deal with MORE by:

  • stressing the special role a "big sister" or "big brother" plays in the family.

  • providing ONE a special place where MORE may not go (a room or a corner).

  • not insisting that all toys and possessions be shared.

  • giving ONE time with you and/or your spouse away from MORE.

  • including ONE in preparations for MORE's arrival (for example, choosing the outfit for MORE to wear home from the hospital.)

  • viewing MORE's birthday as a time for ONE to give.

  • being empathetic, yet honest and realistic, with ONE about MORE.

  • accepting ONE as an individual who, like you, makes mistakes and is imperfect.

You can help MORE deal with ONE by:

  • having realistic developmental expectations of MORE, not "babying" or "pushing".

  • not insisting on sharing of all toys and possessions.

  • teaching social skills, starting with "mine" and "yours".

  • giving MORE time with you and/or you spouse away from ONE.

  • sometimes buying new items for MORE instead of always handing down belongings.

©Copyright, 1993 Timothy R. Graves.  All Rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce for use with parents and families of young children is granted provided no financial gain is involved and this copyright notice is included. Mr. Graves would appreciate any feedback and knowing how and when you use this document. Please let him know by writing Training Wheels for Early Childhood Education at 1981 Decatur Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 or sending an e-mail to timgraves@trainingwheels4ece.com. Additional articles and handouts can be found at www.trainingwheels4ece.com