For many older-sibling toddlers, the day their younger sibling is born is the worst day of their lives. They realize that they are no longer the center of their parents’ world and must share their love and affection for the rest of their lives. 

Toddlers aren’t emotionally mature enough to realize that their parents love them and their new sibling equally, and that it’s not a competition. Parents need to give a newborn baby more attention and supervision than a two or three-year-old, and that can make their older kids feel bad. 

The same can be said for kids who are much older than toddlers. One of my best friends was the youngest until she turned 10, when her younger sister was born. Having a significant age gap between siblings can be really tough, especially when you’re used to being the youngest and suddenly your mom is preoccupied with a new baby. 

No matter your family situation, kids can have a difficult time transitioning when they get another sibling. It’s a perfectly normal part of family life.