A New Sibling Is The Best Gift

Even while you are pregnant, you can start preparing the oldest child for a new sibling on the way. How you handle the birth of the new baby and its integration into the family will help you resolve fears and jealousy.

A new sibling is something that should please the firstborn, but it is normal for children to feel jealous or bitter towards the new family member.

This is because a new sibling can bring about big changes, and children may find it difficult to adapt.

If you want your firstborn to feel happy about a new sibling, you need to help. The following guidelines are very useful:

Let the child meet the baby at the hospital

It gives the child the chance to be with his mother again and meet the new sibling for the first time. It also allows the baby to observe the newborn, something that can strengthen the sibling bond.

Another good option is to give a gift from the newborn to the older sibling. You need to make the child feel that the love of the family has not changed; it is still part of the family.

Maintain the child’s daily routines

The arrival of the new baby brings many changes, but try to keep your oldest child’s routine (as far as possible) so that it does not get confused.

Since you can not avoid all the changes, you should explain to your oldest child why the changes occur. Respect the child’s space and leave the belongings where they have always been.

Hang time

Although it can be difficult to find time , try to find moments when you can be alone with the older child.

Both parents must devote time to both their children.

Involve the child in activities related to the sibling

Let the child participate in the care of the baby. It can hold the diaper package or bottle, for example. It will make the child feel helpful and important, and it will also help with the acceptance of the new family member.

Another option is to have fun with the older child while the new sibling is present. In this way, the child will know that mom and dad still have time to sing, play and read stories.

The goal is for the older child to see their new sibling as a gift to the family.

Talk to your child

You need to communicate clearly with your child, according to the child’s age and maturity, to explain what is happening. When children reach the age of two, they become able to understand many things.

Listen carefully to any concerns and respond in a way that helps the child understand. You can also tell about when the child himself was a baby and how you took care of it.

View photos and baby clothes. It will make the baby identify with the newborn. It is important to show affection so that the child feels the parents’ love.

Preserve the roles of family members

Family members, including grandparents, uncles and aunts, can also give time to the child. They can engage in activities such as going to the park, eating a snack or going to the cinema.

This prevents the baby from noticing drastic changes and the fact that the mother can no longer spend all her time with it.

You can avoid difficult situations and misunderstandings by following these recommendations:

• Do not let the older child exaggerate in his attempts to get attention.
• As a parent , you must not feel bad about spending time with the newborn.
• Do not let the child dominate the situation with outbursts and uncontrollable crying.
• Be determined but also affectionate and patient when it comes to reprimands.

Jealousy is normal and positive within certain limits. It shows that the child has developed a strong affective bond with his parents. It is important that it loves and is loved.

The new baby catches everyone’s attention, especially the parents’. This is why the oldest child feels that the relationship with the parents is threatened.

It shows its fear through unusual behaviors. Parents must balance taking care of all the children in the household and showing them love as well as affection.

If this is done, a new sibling will be seen as the best gift ever.