firstborn - Motherly

The emotional cost of being first: Study finds higher rates of anxiety in firstborn & only children

New research reveals how birth order may affect your child’s mental health—here’s what to know.

October 28, 2024

Anxiety, Birth order, Depression, Firstborn, Mental health, Oldest daughter syndrome, Only child, Research, Science, Siblings, Study

My firstborn, I know it’s been a hard adjustment

My boy, I'm so proud. Proud of the way you've adapted to your new role.

May 8, 2020

Firstborn, Motherhood, Motherhood emotions, Motherhood feelings, Newborn, Newborn baby, Parentpalagesstages2021, Second child, Siblings

To my firstborn: You will always be my baby

After having you, I was terrified of having another kid because I didn't think I could love someone else as much as you.

March 11, 2020

Firstborn, Motherhood, Motherhood emotions, Motherhood feelings, Positive parenting, Second child, Sleep

What I want to say when people ask me if we’re going to have another child

I didn't know my first pregnancy would be my last.

March 7, 2020

Firstborn, Motherhood, Motherhood emotions, Motherhood feelings, Motherly product, Only child, Positive parenting, Second child, Sleep

To the mama getting ready to send her baby off to school for the first time

Mamas, I know it's hard. It won't be easy. Tears will likely roll down your cheeks on that first day of school. Please just know that it gets easier—but only if you let it.

August 1, 2018

First day of school, Firstborn, Kindergarten, Montessori, Positive parenting, School

My heart aches knowing it won’t be just you and me anymore, my firstborn

In not too long, you'll be a big brother. Something I'm reminded of constantly with the kicks and jabs to my ribs. With the simultaneous slowing and quickening of time that comes only with waiting for a new life to enter the world.

July 24, 2018

Firstborn, Multiple children, Positive parenting, Second baby, Sibling jealousy