Tips to Prepare Your Child for a New Sibling

A new baby in the house changes the dynamics of the family in a lot of ways.  Before the new one arrives, it is very important for you to prepare your child for the soon-to-arrive baby. Children are often used to undivided attention of their parents and may not always be able to adjust to the shift in attention and importance. Thus, you must prepare them before the baby is born. The following tips will help you prepare your child for a new sibling:

new born with sibling

During the pregnancy

It is important for your child to know that you are expecting a new baby. Depending upon the age and maturity of your child, you must break the news out in a way that is comforting and happy.  Be ready to answer their questions honestly and gently and make sure that your child is happy with the news of a new sibling.

During pregnancy, you can teach your child the importance of sharing and being a good elder brother or sister. Your child must not feel jealous of the new baby as this can create a rift between them in the initial years. Teach the importance of being independent so that you can devote your time to the new baby when he/she arrives.

At the hospital

When visitors come to visit you in the hospital, make sure your elder child is not neglected or left out in any way. Acknowledge both your children equally and let your elder one help you out when he/she feels like.   Listen to your child and answer any questions he might have on his mind.  Let him feel the baby and encourage him to remain close.

At home

When you come home from the hospital, you will naturally devoting your attention to the new member of the house. But make sure that you do not take your attention away from the elder child and let him participate in activities like changing the diaper, giving baths and singing to the baby. Involve the elder child as much as you can so that he doesn’t feel left out in any way.

Some children are not independent enough to do tasks on their own when the new baby arrives and hence you must make some prior arrangements such as hiring a maid, taking help of a relative or getting a baby sitter to look after your older child.

Photo Credit By: nchesmummyandmemagazine.wordpress.com

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