Photo: @Hanthomas via Instagram
When Genevieve Kenny went on mat leave with her second baby, she assumed it would be a lot like her first mat leave: lots of coffee dates and mom-and-me classes. But when there?s a toddler in the house, the reality is a little different. ?I rarely make it out beyond basic errands, it?s almost impossible to find activities that suit both kids? schedules, and I?ve had days when we didn?t leave the house until after 4 p.m., with at least one child still in their pyjamas,? says the Toronto mom.
In Vancouver, Tara Carruthers, who has three kids (each two years apart), also finds being home with two little ones with completely different needs extremely challenging. ?It?s so hard to manage your time,? she says. ?What do you do when you need to wipe your potty-training toddler while your baby is crying in the bassinet"? Taking care of two kids when you?re used to just one is difficult. And if your older one doesn?t get what she needs?time outdoors, socialization and tons of your attention?she?ll act out, making it that much harder.
Toddlers who feel connected and supported will be less demanding of you, says Toronto-based parenting coach Sarah Rosensweet. But what does that really mean" And how do you achieve it when you?ve got a newborn attached to you" Read on for some tips.
Keep the big one close

Your toddler can entertain himself for a short time while you?re dealing with the baby, but as soon as you can, try to find ways to invol...