Uneasy about the cousins

[MommyDragon]

So the daddy has two nephews and two nieces. The boys have little interest in the baby but the girls have been insisting that the baby is "their's". The older one, 6 years old, has been insistant that she will care for the baby and that she won't need my help. The younger, 3 years old, simply says that the baby is hers.
My worry started because when I expressed the unease at the eldest's interest in taking care of the baby herself; her mother said that she was trying to express wanting to help and that she just isn't articulate enough to really understand what she's saying.
I am now terrified that the 7year old will try to care for the child when I'm not looking or when she thinks she can get away with it. How to I express this without being the bad guy? How can I make his family understand?

[su3ad89]

I think the cousins are just ecxited. You could do things with them to include them in some baby chores and tell them whats acceptable and unacceptable. Shes only 7 yrs old... if she was like 16 then it would be weird for her to say that bt 7? Thats how they express their excitement. I think its ur pregnancy hormones definitely.  Just dnt take it too seriously and keep an eye on baby when ur at their house.

[2tymemommy23]

Same here my 5year old son claims baby as his i think its cute however im sure that he will do no more than help fix bootles get diapers n play with baby thats just what kids do

[dmschoon]

I wouldn't be too concerned. My 5 year old repeatedly tells people it's her baby (not mine or my husband's). They are just really excited. We've talked with her (and my 6 year old daughter) about everything the baby needs, how some things only mommies and daddies can do and what they can do as big sisters. If you feel concerned after the baby is here, don't leave her with the baby unattended and talk to her parents about setting boundaries.

[misstoyo]

My boys refer to their brother or sister to be as their baby. I think you are reading too far into It. Taking her age into account really she is just being her age and excited about your baby. As with any baby, don't leave the baby alone with other kids. Any child including the non interested boys can easily accidently injure a baby.

[jessicups]

I also agree that your being a little dramatic, she is just a kid, the way their brains work is just different. Like some of the pp have mentioned, just get her to help you with things, bring diapers, ext. I'm honestly not sure what your so concerned about happening? Maybe have a talk with her and educate her on what babies can and can't eat, or can and can't do. I've heard plenty of stories just in my birth group on another forum about siblings saying this is their baby, ext.

[MommyToBe42015]

My sister is 3 and she told me that I'm having her baby. All it takes is saying you'll be the aunt or whatever they are to the baby and they can help as long as you are around but when you aren't around to not mess with the baby

[MyTwist]

Let her always help you with the small stuff like getting things for the baby, (warming the bottle, feeding, throwing diaper away.. etc).  Just so she feels like she's doing a lot and she won't go overboard also be with the both of them at the same time  

[Ceri111]

She also tells me she wishes I was having a girl haha, kids are funny but she doesn't mean any harm by it...just teach her not to touch baby unless you're there :)

[Ceri111]

My niece is 7 and tells me all about how she's going to change my baby, feed my baby and take it for walks...but it's just what kids do, just getting excited for their little cousin :) try re inforcing that if she wants to help that she has to help only when you tell her, so you do things together

[MommyDragon]

I think you've missed the point where the oldest has told me, "I'll take care of the baby. She's mine."
It's not as simple as "I want to help." That's not what she's saying or asking at all.

[specialmom]

I think, in all honesty, you are blowing this out of proportion.  Wanting to help is pretty normal with little girls when it comes to a new baby.  So, that can be something like getting diapers for you, making goofy faces at the baby while you change baby's diaper, etc.  I mean, no one thinks she is going to babysit.  I would have an open heart to the fact that these little girls are over the moon that she will be their cousin.  They are just little and say wacky things but do you really feel concerned if they say the baby is theirs? You're the adult in charge so I am sure you'll adequately control the situation.  I hope they love your baby very much and grow to be very close as they grow up.  :>)

[walkerbabymomma]

Personally  I*

[walkerbabymomma]

Personally wouldn't leave her alone with the baby in case she trys to feed him/her something him/her can't have or anything like that. But also she might not even do anything after the baby is here and if you notice she is and it's not safe then just sit down with her and tell her there are certain things that only the mommy or a grown up can do. And also have her parents there too so they will know what's going on and they can do further discipline if need be.