heathert`s poll Show results | Hide results

heathert (853.5 days ago)
thanks again. My daughter is so much help- she does do a lot with out being asked. She always makes sure I have water, carries her sister to the car, things like that.

bellajenna (853.7 days ago)
they need to help with no payment. thats crazy. bit i agree with monkeymamma

heathert (853.8 days ago)
mommy- that is sad poor kid. My daughter does help out and wants to thank goodness. But to just expect her to do it and let baby cry til she does. Hope she does not resent baby one day.

mommyjenn88 (853.8 days ago)
i have a friend with a older daughter and a newborn. when the baby crys im like arent u going to get her a bottle and she shrugs it off and says her oldest daughter will do it when she gets tired of the crying. drives me nuts! the teen is more of a mom to that baby. and it wasnt the teens fault that her mom got pregnant...and she shouldnt be responsible for caring for the baby. but in your case being on bedrest thats a bit diff, they should want to help you in your time of need.

mdbabyno1 (853.9 days ago)
I like dantteplusbaby`s idea. Something special as a thank you when the baby is born and lots of thank yous.

heathert (853.9 days ago)
Thanks everyone I thought so too I guess I have too much time on my hands haha. That will not be much longer! I am thinking too much. I will remember to let them all know I do appreciate all the help. Some good ideas.

pooka (853.9 days ago)
I don`t think kids should have to be bribed to help out at home and take care of the ones they love when they are in need. Compassion is an important lesson. I agree with monkey that perhaps after the fact when its all said and done you could reward them with something, not money, but something fun for them like a movie out, a trip to the mall, etc and a huge thank you for pitching in and helping you. I think too many kids expect way too much and have forgotten that there is value in helping that is not always monetary.

Danetteplustwo (853.9 days ago)
I pretty much agree with everyone else. Family has to pull together when things get crazy so I don`t think that asking them to help out is at all unreasonable. But a nice gift from the new baby would be a good way to thank them for the extra help and recognize that they pitched in to get things ready. And maybe sit down with them and the calender and make sure that the top three things they really want to do gets written down and a promise is made for arrangements to get them there and alternatives figured out for housework and childcare?

TwinklinBrwnEyes (853.9 days ago)
I wouldn`t do a set allowance, I would just occasionally do something extra special for them. Like a new blouse or new sneakers, etc. They seem to be good kids and good kids like yours don`t expect anything in return they do it because this is what family does.

jacobb-n-jordans-mommy (853.9 days ago)
I was the oldest growing up and knew my mom needed me and didnt complain taking care of the younger 5 but a small reward or even a smile and a thank you was more than enough. Just make sure you tell them every day that you love them and that their help is very much appreciated and I think that will be enough. :) And by small reward I mean taking them to a movie (after baby born of course) or a dinner for them and one friend at a nice restaurant. Just something to show that you`re not forgetting them just because theres another on the way.

monkeymamma (853.9 days ago)
I wouldn`t say you should pay them, but maybe an extra something here and there when they don`t expect it. And tell them it`s for helping out when you ask.

heathert (853.9 days ago)
They both do have things they have to do around the house anyway and they love there little sister and very excited for this one. I know they have school and friends so I feel guilty asking them to do extra right now. My son takes her out in her wagon for walks and my daughter takes her to her room to play. Dad does help too with cooking and laundry. Thanks!



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