Good Lifestyle

When our first child was born, I gave him with an hour of dad one-one. Every night we read, played on the floor, or once she was old enough to stand on a stool at the kitchen counter, dinner cooked together. (Okay, I cooked; she has eaten things. But we tied up.) These days, I'm going home every night at a more eventful scene, with this little girl now and her brother approaching his first birthday. Of course, I will be bottles, toothbrush and read maturity stories as needed, but I feel guilty that I can not give Jack the same undivided attention of Lily. We asked the experts how to ensure that no one is crushed.

1. Learn the false head

The reading time can also be stimulating for both children: simply place the baby on your lap and make a visual contact and fun faces when you read a book to the older child (or children). Early language skills are developed simply by listening; This makes no difference if the story is on Harry Potter or Sam I am. "Baby reading is overestimated, especially for a baby younger than 9 months that can not turn a page or focus on words," says Carole Lapidus of the child therapist.

2. Change more layers

Swimming, sleeping layer and catalog are crucial for binding, says Jeremy Schneider Jeremy Schneider. "Playing together is nice, but it does not fulfill a fundamental need," he explains. "The best way for fathers to make the most of their limited time is to demonstrate that they are a primary guard." It also reminds your children that you do more than play Tickle Monster.

3. Do it in turn

Do not feel guilty of giving a child something to do alone while you focus on the other. Schneider, the father of the 4-year-old twins, said that the power outlet with Dad serves two objectives: First of all, that helps his children learn to share. On a deeper level, it teaches them that everything is fine for someone to have distinct relationships.

4. Take it with you everywhere

You do not have to be focused on your baby at all times. Just sleep in your chest while you're Futz around the hardware. "What do you wear your child in a baby björn or just in your arms, it gets a lot of attention and kisses easy in this way," says Brian Kantz, author ofStay at home dad. To stay. Good boy. "Even when his maniac brother jumps walls, a baby held is a baby content."

- With additional reports from Amy Levin-Epstein