How to prepare your child for a new baby
Sibling rivalry is a universal fact. All the siblings compete to be the center of attraction and for the time and affection of the parents. That is why you have to make them realize that no matter how many siblings they may get there will always be more than enough love for them.
If you have two kids and another one coming soon, here are some of the tips that may help you to establish a better and stronger bond among children to decrease sibling jealousy.
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Let your child express throughout pregnancy and respond with empathy
It is very natural that the child may feel a bit jealous because of the time and attention that you are giving to newly born baby. It is very important for you to satisfy or reassure him that you love him. This could be done by both your actions and words. Spend some quality time with him daily so it would put him at some ease. He will be reassured that you still love him. Make him aware of the advantages of being an elder sibling. Sometimes assure him that he will always be a baby to you.
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Encourage child’s connection to baby
Jealousy is basically caused by your own mistake among the children. Use words like “your sister”, “our baby” or so to make him feel better and less displaced. You can also read books to him about the new baby and make him go with you for shopping; let him shop some toys and clothes for the new baby. Moreover let the kid help you out in painting the room for the new baby, it will raise excitement and love for the new baby.
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Make the child realize that he has important role in your life.
He was always the first priority but now he is going to be displaced. Now he will be the elder brother. But this doesn’t change the fact that he contributes a lot to family by just being himself. You can reinforce all the delightful and amazing things about his personality. By doing this your child will know his worth in the family and why he is so important. Talk gradually about the family values that every person in the family has its own place and it takes every single one of the member to make the family complete.
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Make him the part of birth process
It has an affective impact on the kid when you make him the part of the whole birth process. I have experienced it by myself. When I was at the hospital my 5 year old son came with me and stood by my bed, holding my hand. He loved to be there at that moment and when his sister was born he was so excited and from that day on he is always protective of her. I made a several of arrangements for him so he doesn’t gets bored. You can also do such things ask someone to baby sit him till he is there.
