Mom of 2: “How to Make My Younger Daughter See I Only Have Time for Her Ill Sister?”

Having kids after finding the person you choose to spend your life with is a way to add happiness and see more love around you. And being a full-time mom can be very fulfilling while making sure everyone is joyful and ready to contribute to what keeps a family together.

My friend Diane got married to her high school love and has always felt that was the best decision she ever made. They waited to have kids for a few years while both went to college. After that, her husband, Will, started work, and they agreed she would stay home and be a full-time mom in the future.

They found out they would become parents in a few months, and welcoming their baby was amazing for them.

Their first daughter, Anna, made them feel even closer to each other, and Diane adjusted immediately to being a mom, preparing meals, and keeping her house neat at all times.

"Being a mom was something I'd always wanted. And as soon as I saw her, I knew no other love could compare," Diane told me.

Indeed, she did everything for her baby while also making sure her relationship with her husband stayed strong.

"I would never neglect my husband for my baby because they both mean just as much to me," she added.

Things were not as easy for her second pregnancy because she needed more rest and couldn't always look after Anna. Will took over on some afternoons, and they made it work for those nine months.

"He was amazing. Not once showing stress or holding it against me. I was worried he'd get upset, but it all went well," Diane shared.

Once their second daughter, Nicole, was born, they felt their family was complete.

"We just wanted to take care of them and work to be able to offer them everything they would need," the happy mom said.

Years went by, and the girls started kindergarten and then went to school.

In her first year of high school, Anna developed lots of allergies and needed to see a specialist very often.

"Sometimes she needs immediate care; other times it's just checking in to know she's doing well. Either way, half the week is dedicated to that. And to see her able to go to classes, have snacks, or be outdoors without suddenly feeling bad or having a reaction to food or airborne particles is essential," Diane explained.

While trying to figure out what causes her allergies to get worse, Diane hasn't had as much time to spend with her other daughter. And Nicole is reacting to it in a negative way.

"Sometimes, when I come back with her sister from the latest tests, Nicole won't even talk to me. She pretends I'm not there and won't speak to me when I address her," Diane said.

The girls' father also goes to each appointment for Anna's allergies, but Nicole hasn't gotten upset with him somehow.

'I can't understand why she isn't ignoring him. It's just me, and we're both gone for long hours. I love both my daughters. It's just that Anna needs me more right now. How to make my younger daughter see I only have time for her ill sister?" Diane said.

The parents don't think Nicole is spoiled or doesn't care about her sister. They're worried she might feel neglected, though.

"She's just as much part of our family as Anna. And we're not putting her second. It may feel that way, but we're still there to talk, play, and watch movies whenever there's time left," Diane said.

No amount of treats or hugs has changed the situation yet, but Nicole is very close to her sister. She wants her to get better and goes to give her hugs several times a day and reminds her about medications when she needs them.

"They're a team, and Nicole loves her sister. I just wish I could show her how much I love her. I'm her mom, too, and I don't have a favorite daughter. I love both. It's just a hard time right now," Diane added.

What do you think? Is there a way to make the younger daughter understand her mom still cares about her? Should all attention in the family be focused on the ill sister until she gets better?

Originally published on NewsBreak

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