At home with the Windsors
With Kate Middleton about to give birth, how can we expect her tots to react to the new arrival?
The shock in store for the Windsor kids
The news of a royal baby boom put smiles on a lot of faces, not least the Queen’s – she is said to be ‘delighted’!
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, is due to deliver her third baby with husband Prince William in April.
But there may be two little people who aren’t quite so happy about the expansion of the family – Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
When Kate’s baby is born, future king George will be four, but Charlotte, who the Queen revealed bosses her big brother around, will be about to turn three – her birthday is on 2 May.
She will be the prime age for having her nose put out of joint by a new baby sibling, who will be demanding more of Mum and Dad’s attention.
The changing dynamics when a new baby is born are always tricky. Child expert Dr Tamara Bugembe, founder of helperbees.co.uk, says they change the home environment in ways that older children may sense but not understand.
In an attempt to control something small amid all that, she says, the royal tots – like any siblings when a new baby comes along – may become more demanding, particularly when it comes to food! Dr Bugembe tells best, ‘Children are very aware of the huge emotional value that their eating has for their parents. They may refuse certain foods or retch at others, in an attempt to gain attention.
‘Kate and William can make the whole transition smoother by affirming how much they love Charlotte and George – without going overboard – by spending time with each of them individually. That should help with their behaviour a lot!’
One thing’s for sure – these adorable royal tots will be helping to keep Mummy and Daddy on their toes!