For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for January 21, 2020

Good thing my older brother didn’t feel this way as I was getting born (we’re only a little over a year apart in age).

The unseen thought balloon of Elizabeth:

John: I know something’s wrong… Is it the new baby?

Elizabeth: {to herself} If I talk about how I am failing school I will get in trouble. Baby. Definitely baby." {to John} ::Sniff!:: All I ever hear you talk about is the new baby!

It doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not, it’s going to happen Elizabeth and you will love every minute of it.

You’ve got three months to get ready, Elizabeth—-and then here it comes!

Liz needs some extra attention as well.

My father cured my “new baby blues” in the best way possible. I was the “baby” of 6 kids for 8 years…then my little brother usurped my position. (LOL) After my brother was born, my dad would take me – JUST me – out for bowling and pizza every Saturday night. Mind you, my dad worked 5-1/2 days a week; Saturdays he would work until noon. He’d come home, have lunch, rest up, then we’d go out. Neither of us were exactly great bowlers, but we had a lot of fun (and the pizza was always yummy). I realized, as an adult, how much he sacrificed to do that for me…I did thank him specifically for that a few years ago.

Elizabeth is very upset about the baby. when the baby gets replaced with a new baby it really makes the first baby feel rejected. : Parents should understand this and make sure your first baby knows she can never be replaced.

Elizabeth is experiencing “middle child syndrome”. It’s real and can have long-lasting effects if not recognized, and the proper help given to the middle child in adjusting to the changes in their life.

Time to tell her she will always be daddy’s little girl.

Can she only eat mashed vegetables? Does Elizabeth wear a diaper? If the answer is no, why does she call herself a baby?

Been there done that so learn to accept and live with it Elizabeth. I had to “twice”.

Elizabeth is my favorite. She is so wise there are many of the cartoons that I have saved as favourites. Being a father of two girls and one grandchild (girl) I can really relate.

When a child is born there are obviously new responsibilities. One way to keep an older sibling from being left out is to include her/him in as many baby situations as possible. Let her help feed the baby. Let her get clean diapers. Let her read to the baby. Make her feel NEEDED AND IMPORTANT. Everyone always needs to feel needed.

How is elizabeth feeling in frame 2? can’t tell.