	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Home & Family Articles

Helping Siblings Adjust to Your Newest Addition

By David Cummings

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 21May2009
Word count: 553
Viewed: 244 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

Bringing a new baby home makes huge changes not only for the parents, but also for the other children in the home. Mom's attention is almost completely on the new baby, and the other children feel as though they have to scramble for some time with her. They do not always understand the changes that are occurring, particularly if they are young. As you prepare for your new arrival, keep these tips in mind for helping your other children adjust and accept their new brother or sister.

Be Honest With Your Child

Let your child know as soon as you are comfortable doing so that a new sibling is on the way. When the due date approaches, let him know that you may have to pay a lot of attention to the new baby when she is first born, but that you love him just the same. Answer the questions that come up, even if they are a bit uncomfortable (where do babies come from?). The less mystery that surrounds the birth, the more comfortable the older sibling will be. Of course, make your answers age appropriate, but keep communication open throughout the adjustment period.

Read With Your Child

Reading with your child is one of the best ways to connect, and it is a great way to introduce the changes that come with a new baby. Pick a few age appropriate books about bringing a baby home, and spend some time cuddling with your older child while you read these. Do this before and after the birth.

Let the Reaction Be What It Is

Your child may not react to the new baby as you have dreamed. Lots of big brothers and sisters react with coos and excitement the first time they meet their new baby brother or sister, but not all of them do. If your child is particularly young, the hospital setting, especially seeing mom in the bed in a hospital gown, is a bit scary. Try to have your older children touch the new baby gently when they first meet her, but do not force it. Human touch helps create bonds, but your number one goal is to make the first introduction positive. Whatever your child's reaction is, accept it, and do not make a big deal out of it, even if he seems unconcerned about the baby.

Keep Life as Normal as Possible

Once everyone is safely home from the hospital, work as hard as you can to keep your older children on their normal routine. If you need help from Dad or grandparents to do this, ask for it, but the closer life is to "normal" after the arrival of a new sibling, the easier the adjustment period will be. Also, let the older children help with the baby's care, as this can help them feel like the new baby needs them just as much as she needs mommy.

Clinginess Is Normal

No matter how old your older child is, expect her to need more love an attention when the new sibling comes. You are not going to have much time to give, but make sure you schedule some "just us" time with the older child, and make the most of that time. Let someone else take the baby for a few minutes so you can reconnect.

David Cummings is a devoted parent and author on family topics. He is dedicated to helping parents improve family time together and to ensuring a brighter future for all children via contributions to children organizations. David is the General Manager for Bustling Baby, LLC - a company that knows the hectic parenting lifestyle and offers products to make life with baby easier, such as quality Eddie Bauer baby gear

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here