Expanding Your Family: How to Help Your Child Prepare for a New Sibling

Expanding Your Family: How to Help Your Child Prepare for a New Sibling

If you're considering about expanding your family or are about to do so, you might be wondering how this will affect your firstborn. It's vital to remember that each family dynamic is unique, and that each child will respond differently to the news of a new sibling's coming. We've all seen heartwarming videos of older siblings crying when they first meet their younger siblings, as well as footage of children crying when they learn their sibling isn't the boy or girl they expected. So, how should parents effectively explain and prepare their firstborn children for the arrival of a new family member?

There are a variety of ways you can assist your family in preparing for a new baby, depending on the age of the child. Whatever the case may be, it's ideal to explain what's going on in words that your child will understand and to make them feel involved in the process. Here are some more suggestions:

1. Reading books about new babies or siblings
2. Having your child help pick out colors or decorations for the baby’s room
3. Looking at baby pictures of your child and family members
4. Spending time with a family member or friend who has a baby
5. Giving your child a doll so that they can practice holding and taking care of their future baby brother or sister
6. Having them draw pictures to give to the baby when they are born
7. Preparing them for when you go into labor and will be in the hospital

The new baby will be the centre of attention after the newborn arrives. To ensure that the older child does not feel left out, many families do something special for them. Something as simple as a special lunch date or outing with Grandma and Grandpa, or a tiny present from their new sibling or sister could suffice.

It's critical for parents to remember that because the newborn receives so much attention, it's common for the older child to feel envious throughout the pregnancy or after the baby arrives. Children also have a tendency to regress, such as experiencing toilet training mishaps or resuming their use of a pacifier or bottle. This is entirely typical behaviour.

To help limit these instances, families are encouraged to explain to their children the best they can that a new baby will need a lot of attention. Include your children in the explanation by telling them stories about when they were the same age and how you cared for them. If your child is old enough, encourage them to speak about their feelings.