Preparing your Child for a new Baby
If you are having another little one, then you want to properly prepare your older child. This can make all of the difference in your child welcoming the new baby with open arms or being jealous and upset. Although you can’t control his or her every emotion, the proper methods will make a big difference.
Explain to your child (with excitement)
You want your child to think that it is a wonderful thing that he or she is getting a little sister or little brother. Convey these positive thoughts when explaining what will happen. Talk about how he or she will have a playmate forever and how it will be like his or her best friend lives in the same house.
Explain to the child what it will be like. Talk about how the baby will be very helpless and can sometimes be cranky or cry. Talk about the good parts such as the milestones.
Read books to your child
There are many different books that focus on being a big brother or a big sister. For instance, you could get I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole. These books come for both boys and girls, and they are made for children of different age groups. They can show what it will be like for the child to be a big brother or a big sister and help prepare him or her. They can help you explain it.
Allow your child to take part
You want your child to feel like he or she is a part of the excitement. You can buy him or her an “I’m a big brother” or “I’m a big sister” shirt. Also, encourage him or her to draw a picture or write a welcome note to the little baby. Talk about how he or she will be your big helper. For example, he or she can hand you a diaper or sing to the baby. Make him or her feel that it is an important role.
Give special time to your child
First and foremost, you want your child to understand that he or she is not being replaced and you will not love the new baby more than you love him or her. Explain how love can only increase. You should make some special time for you and your child and make sure this continues even after the baby is born.
With the right strategies, you can make the new baby’s arrival easier for an older sibling. Try all of the above techniques to help your child.