How to cope with pregnancy fatigue and a busy toddler

Expecting a second baby is an exciting and joyful time. Still, it can also be equally daunting and overwhelming, especially if you have a busy toddler you’re already taking care of and you’re exhausted. Dealing with the physical challenges of a toddler and meeting the demands of a newborn can easily take their toll. The good news is with a few tricks, you can balance the two. Interested to know how expecting mothers with younger children can continue being there for their little ones and make the most of their pregnancy? Read on…

Get your toddler involved: Breaking the pregnancy news to your toddler may not be an easy process, and their reaction might startle you. But making them aware that they are going to be a big sister or brother may be essential. According to Today’s Parent, there are age-appropriate ways to tell your child that you are pregnant. When they are aware that you are forming a human life inside your body, they might, in turn, be a lot more understanding of your fatigue or other pregnancy niggles. This is, however, not guaranteed, especially with kids being so different. You can even do pregnancy exercises with your child, and they might even enjoy it.

Ask for help: Asking for help is a weakness for many mothers, who don’t ask out of restraint of “bothering” people. You would be surprised how many people are willing to help and are just waiting for you to ask. If you need a nap or help with chores around the house, ask help from your partner, family, or friends. Asking for assistance does not make you weak, but there is strength that lies in acknowledging that you cannot do it all on your own.

Keep your toddler busy: According to the website Peaceful Parent Confident Kids, “children are highly competent beings capable of doing far more than many gave them credit for.” Asking your child to help you with chores in the house and giving them toys that encourage their imagination will be helpful.

These toys may include:

• Blocks
• Tea sets
• Play kitchens

This does not mean they will play alone the whole time. Sometimes, you might be invited to a tea party, and it is crucial that you give them your undivided attention when this happens. Honour the invitation and be fully present.

Incorporate calm play: It’s no secret that young children are bursting with life and energy. They, therefore, want to run around and use up some or most of it. At this point, it is hard for you to keep up. If they want to run around, you can take them outside for playtime. If you can’t go outside, have some games ready to do indoors that don’t require you to use up too much of your energy.

Some great ideas include:

• Watching movies or putting on their favourite cartoon
• Building puzzles
• Colouring books or painting
• Reading books