Morning light streamed gently through the curtains, filling the room with warmth. Dad was already awake, humming a cheerful tune as he picked out tiny clothes for the baby. The baby, little Lulu, giggled in her crib, kicking her legs excitedly.
But just outside the doorway sat Bibi, the family’s playful and affectionate monkey. Bibi had always been Dad’s little shadow—helping fetch things, making everyone laugh, and following him everywhere. For as long as he could remember, Dad’s attention belonged mostly to him.
Lately, however, things had started to change. Ever since Lulu was born, Dad had been busier, spending more time rocking the baby, feeding her, and now—dressing her in the mornings.
Bibi watched with wide eyes as Dad gently lifted Lulu from the crib.
“Good morning, my sweet girl,” Dad said lovingly, brushing Lulu’s hair from her forehead. He held up a tiny dress decorated with flowers. “Shall we wear this today?”
Lulu giggled again, grabbing at the fabric with her little hands.
Bibi’s tail twitched. That used to be me, he thought. Dad used to hold me first thing in the morning. He used to laugh at me like that.
The First Signs of Jealousy
Bibi padded into the room quietly, carrying one of his favorite toys—a small ball he often rolled to Dad. He set it down near Dad’s feet, chirping as if to say, “Play with me, too!”
But Dad was focused on Lulu. He slipped her little arms into the sleeves and buttoned up the dress carefully. “Hold still, Lulu, or it’ll be hard to fasten this,” he said, chuckling at the baby’s squirming.
Bibi nudged the ball again, this time more firmly. When Dad still didn’t look at him, Bibi let out a louder sound, part squeak and part whimper.
Finally, Dad glanced down. “Oh, Bibi! Good morning. I’ll play with you in a minute, buddy. Let me finish dressing Lulu first.”
That wasn’t enough for Bibi. His face scrunched up, and he let out a soft grumble. He tugged gently on the hem of Lulu’s new dress as if protesting, “Why her clothes? Why not me?”
Trying to Compete
The moment Dad put a little hat on Lulu’s head, Bibi dashed to the closet. He pulled out a scarf and wrapped it around himself clumsily, then strutted toward Dad with a proud grin.
Dad burst out laughing. “Oh, Bibi! You want clothes too?”
But before Dad could say more, Bibi tugged at the scarf and threw himself into Dad’s lap, demanding attention. He chattered noisily, trying to drown out Lulu’s sweet baby coos.
Dad patted his head. “You silly monkey. Are you jealous?”
Lulu, seeing Bibi climb onto Dad, suddenly let out a tiny cry. She didn’t like the sudden competition. Dad gently rocked her. “Shh, Lulu, it’s okay. Daddy loves both of you.”
But Bibi crossed his little arms, sulking. He didn’t want to share.
A Small Mischief
Later that day, Mom called out from the kitchen, “Honey, can you take Lulu outside for some fresh air?”
Dad carried Lulu toward the garden, where Bibi was already sitting under a tree. The monkey’s eyes narrowed as he saw Lulu in Dad’s arms again.
When Dad set Lulu down on a soft blanket, Bibi quickly scampered over and sat directly on Dad’s lap, blocking his view of the baby. He hugged Dad tightly, turning his head away from Lulu as if to say, “Mine! Dad is mine!”
Dad chuckled. “Oh, Bibi… you’re being naughty.”
But when Lulu reached out her tiny hand toward Bibi, he swatted it away gently—not out of anger, but out of insecurity. He didn’t want to share Dad’s love.
Dad’s Clever Idea
Dad realized that jealousy was brewing inside Bibi’s little heart. He needed to show Bibi that there was enough love for both him and Lulu.
So the next morning, when it was time to dress Lulu, Dad called Bibi first. “Come here, my helper.”
Bibi perked up immediately and bounded over. Dad handed him a pair of baby socks. “Can you give these to Lulu?”
Bibi held the socks carefully in his tiny hands, then placed them near Lulu.
“Good boy!” Dad praised, scratching his chin gently.
Next, Dad let Bibi hold Lulu’s little hat for a moment before putting it on her head. Bibi’s chest puffed with pride—he was part of the process now.
A Heartwarming Change
Day by day, Dad included Bibi more and more. He would ask him to fetch Lulu’s blanket, bring the baby’s shoes, or even help distract Lulu by making funny faces while Dad buttoned her clothes.
Bibi began to realize that helping made Dad happy, and making Lulu giggle wasn’t so bad either. Slowly, his jealousy started to fade.
One afternoon, after Dad finished dressing Lulu, Bibi surprised everyone. He ran to the closet, pulled out a small shirt that Dad sometimes put on him, and brought it over. He placed it on Dad’s knee, chattering softly as if asking, “My turn too?”
Dad laughed warmly. “Of course, buddy.” He slipped the shirt over Bibi’s little arms. “There we go—now both of my babies are dressed nicely.”
Bibi beamed with delight, finally satisfied. He sat proudly beside Lulu, both of them wearing fresh clothes, both basking in Dad’s attention.
Lesson Learned
That evening, as the family relaxed together, Mom whispered, “You handled that well. Bibi looks so much happier now.”
Dad nodded. “He just needed to know he’s still loved. Jealousy is natural, but if we guide him gently, he’ll learn that love only grows when it’s shared.”
Bibi curled up against Dad’s side while Lulu rested in his arms. The little monkey glanced at the baby, then softly patted her hand as if to say, “Okay, you can share Dad with me.”
Lulu cooed and smiled, and Bibi finally smiled back.
Closing
From that day on, mornings were filled with laughter instead of sulks. Bibi still loved being the center of attention, but he had discovered something even better—being part of the family team.
Whenever Dad dressed Lulu, Bibi was there, proudly holding socks, hats, or toys. And when both children were ready, Dad would scoop them into his arms and say, “My two little treasures.”
And in that moment, Bibi no longer felt jealous. He felt proud, loved, and secure—because he knew that in Dad’s heart, there was room for both him and the baby.
