Prepare Your Child For A New Sibling:
6 Ways To Prepare Your Child For A New Sibling By Tanya Mayer.
Prepare Your Child For A New Sibling – The internet is full of funny gender revealing videos. Also, the older siblings reacting to the news smiling. Or most often than not, crying. It all seems pretty funny from an adult perspective. But if you’d rather your child accepted the news about the upcoming baby with calmness. We have prepared some useful pieces of advice. So you’ll know exactly what to do before the new family member’s arrival, and in the period afterward too. Therefore, here are some tips on how to help your kids deal with one of the biggest surprises in their little lives.
Start early
The sooner, the better. Of course, you’re not expected to say it bluntly and openly the moment the stick shows the result, but it is advisable to inform the older child as early as possible. There are several fairly good reasons for it. First of all, the safety of the baby. If you are experiencing nausea or your son or daughter loves surprising you with sudden jumps while you’re resting, it would be best to share the news on time and while well-prepared, instead of declaring it in a form of an abrupt exclamation.
Secondly, you will greatly reduce the child’s anxiety. Your kids will surely notice that something funny is going on, which will leave them confused and stressed. The atmosphere in the home is bound to change, so share the wonderful news timely.
Do not sugar-coat it
Naturally, you are going to present the upcoming huge change in your lives as the most wonderful thing that could happen to your family. However, the challenge would be to remain positive and smiling while still trying to explain all the little things which will require extra effort because a baby is a lot of work. That may surprise younger children, while the older ones will have to be persuaded that the baby won’t disturb their routine too much.
Get them involved
Try to involve your child in the preparations for the baby’s arrival. You know there are so many things to be done, so show that you value their opinion,
Some siblings give suggestions for the baby’s name, or choose the color of the nursery walls, or more interestingly, the baby’s toys. They can help to pick the clothes, and not to mention the diaper situation. Also, it could be a good idea to take them to one of your regular check-ups to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Young or old, they are bound to be both stunned and amazed.
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Set special time
This will turn into an excellent comforting technique and a major stress relief once the little, noisy and extremely demanding bundle of joy crosses your threshold. If you haven’t got one already, set a ritual for yourself and your little boy/girl. You should have something to do that is only yours. Some time that belongs to only the two of you. “Nothing will change between us” is what most parents say to comfort the older brother or sister, but once they see you preoccupied with diapers, feeding, and so on, they are rather left disappointed, and a bit heartbroken, too.
With that in mind, you will keep having your ritual in exactly the same way as before, so the child can be rest assured your feelings haven’t changed one bit. Remember, it’s actions, not words that kids remember.
First contact
As for the first meeting between the big brother/sister and the baby, it would be best to have one more close family member present. He or she should hold the baby, while you’re giving plenty of cuddles to the older one at the moment they’re meeting the baby for the first time. It will immediately create a positive association.
Sibling classes
Depending on where you live, your area may even have some sibling classes organized at the local hospital. They can be really helpful in the whole process.
We all know that love only multiplies with new family members, but the older child may not be so sure about it, especially if this is their first time to welcome a brother or sister. However, with a bit of patience, you will help them eliminate stress and rejoice at the baby’s arrival.
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About the Author:
Tanya Mayer is a writer and mother of two, currently based in NYC.
Find more of Tanya here!
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