Change is rough. Whether it is an upset to the daily routine, a sudden change in your economic fortunes, or any other shift in a life variable that significantly alters your day-to-day existence, successfully adapting takes work. So it is no wonder that when a major event, like welcoming a new sibling into your world occurs, there is some push back from all members of the family.

My two kids have graciously accepted their brand new baby brother into our home with commendable generosity and a normal dose of regressive behavior.

The eldest boy is doing fine with the addition, but I have noticed he is very protective of his alone time with me and he occasionally pushes the behavior envelope a little more than usual. Our three year-old daughter is struggling a tad more than her older brother but not much. To her regression repertoire she has added extreme clinginess while trying to go to sleep, as well as the occasional, premeditated potty accident. While these behaviors have added a few more minutes to the bedtime routine and increased the need to do laundry, they fall well within the normal range of “there’s a new baby in the house and I am going to show out” syndrome.

Regression of the canine persuasion is also occurring. Our good dog Camp is backsliding in the potty training department. He casually leaves a little present next to the front door, just to remind me that dogs are still man’s best friend and they don’t wear diapers, which gives me an idea.