My oldest son who's 5 will get upset from time to time when he sees a baby. He'll tell me he wants a baby or wants to Be a baby. Any ideas on what to do, because at times he'll start cring over it. Especially when you metion growing up. He'll tell me doesn't want to.
Lisa,
Lots of kids have conflicted feelings about growing up. It's pretty normal. Sometimes they associate growing up with separation from Mommy. This is why the ability to crawl and separation anxiety nearly always happen at the same time in babies. THe ability to move away from you is how babies get the first inkling that you two are separate beings, and if they can move away from you, you can move away from them. It's all the same fear, it just manifests itself differently at different ages.
You mention that you have two children younger than he is. Did he pick up the idea watching you care for them that it's good to be a baby because they get all the time and attention? Sometimes what helps a lot is to do special things with him that the little ones can't do, and talk about how neat it is that he's big enough to share those activities with you now. Pointing out all the great things about being as big as he is, while making sure he's not losing out on the attention and time and cuddling that he enies from the littler ones can reassure a growing child that he's gaining a whole lot more than he's losing by growing up.
Have you started talking about school? Is he maybe afraid of going to kindergarten? If he's already in, is he having a tough time of it? Does he want to be a baby so he can stay home with Mommy and not have to go to school?
It's tough sometimes to figure out what is triggering fears and anxiety. If you can't get to the bottom of what is causing him to be upset about growing up, ask your ped for a recommendation for a psychologist who specializes in working with children. They are very gentle with the kids, and most work through play therapy. A god one can get out of your son what's bothering him, without leaving him feeling interrogated, or examined like there's something wrong with him. A good child's therapist will be a fun experience for your son, and enlightening for you.
Good luck!
Jess
Well this is a new one, my four year old wants to grow up fast=} But try re-enforcing that his relationship with you will grow as he grows and that he will still be an important part of life that doesn't change. He may be afraid to grow up because this will change how you deal with him... show him all the fun big boys can have, little league, pee wee football, karate. Hilight the best parts about being a big kid.
How sweet! Sounds like he's a little anxious about growing up. Maybe he thinks he'll lose your love. He's afraid of becoming independent because it thinks it means you won't be involved anymore.
He's the type that needs a whole lot of extra special attention. Maybe you can softly encourage him to do "big boy" things and really, really make a huge deal out of his accomplishments. And, still find some ways to "baby" him. Maybe after a bath coddle him in his towel and bond like you did when he was a newborn. Gazing into his eyes. Singing. All that goofy little baby stuff. He needs some reassurance he's still your little boy. Is he a Pisces by chance? Not that I'm in to all that, but my husband is a Pisces and he's constantly needing reassurance about things.
Good Luck and have fun!!