mY FuLL-pLedGe kUya

Ever since Jacob was born... one constant fear that hubby and I have is that Joaquin would reject his baby brother due to jealousy.  So I researched for tips on how to ease the transition of JOaquin from being an only child to a Kuya.

I got tips, especially from co-Mommies, on how to prepare Joaquin, and it helped a lot.  We included JOaquin with activities with regards to Jacob, like changing Jacob's diaper, giving meds to Jacob, etc..  We made him feel included by letting him participate and giving him 'Kuya' roles. Though it can't be avoided, especially during family gatherings, that relatives would focus more on Jacob (since he is newest addition), leaving Joaquin on one side.  Whenever this happens, we have observed that JOaquin would find ways and do something in order to get attention :( That's why we double our effort with Joaquin, especially when we know that Jacob will be the 'star' of the show.  Then there is Kuya's date day, (Kuya is the star! while Jacob is left at home with Lola), wherein we let him choose where to go, what to do, what to eat, etc... 

SO on Kuya's date day, we went to Eastwood Mall.  We made him choose where he wanted to eat (He chose Cravings, cause he saw the bread and buttter sa buffet station. lol).  Then we made him play sa timezone, then we went Fully Booked where he got 2 books as prize for being a good Kuya.  It was his day, he is the star :)

On our way home... this was the conversation that transpired between Kuya and Papa

Papa: "O Joaquin, nag-enjoy ka ba anak?"

Joaquin: "konting enjoy lang papa"

Papa: "O bakit naman?  We did everything you want anak.  Ikaw pumili ng restaurant. Nag-timezone tayo. May new books ka pa.  Bakit konting enjoy ka lang?"

Joaquin: "Kasi papa iniwan natin si Jacob.  Dapat kasama natin si Jacob para happy ako.  Kasi diba family tayo, kaya dapat kasama din Jacob"

AWww.... Hubby and I were speechless!  Another fear that we had, was for Joaquin to not want Jacob be with us during family trips and outings.  BUt we were so amazed and touched at what Joaquin said.... He is a full pledge Kuya! And though there will unavoidable instances that he will feel 'left-out', deep inside, we know that he loves his brother :)