Bringing in a tiny newborn baby can have a big impact in your family. It was really simple the first time, because your only focus was your little munchkin. But now that it’s going to be a second baby, your head must be flooding with a thousand questions. How will my baby react towards their little brother/sister? How will I be able to fulfill my duties as a parent for both of them? And so on…
We understand how important it is for you that your sweet pea reacts positively towards the situation. If you are the first-born to your parents we are sure you will understand the struggle of your child with this big news. They might feel a little less loved or might react in uncertain ways like throwing a tantrum, but it all can be handled well with these little tips on how to prepare your child for the arrival of a new sibling.
- Involve them in preparation: By involving your kid in the preparation of the arrival of your newborn will make them feel that they hold an important position in their siblings life. Take their help in decorating the nursery and in buying baby products. Take them shopping with you whenever possible.
- Movies might help: There are a number of cartoons and movies dedicated to the unbreakable bond between siblings. During movie nights with your baby try watching those with them. This will give them the idea of the role they will play in their sibling’s life. Lilo & Stitch, Big Hero 6, Brave, The Incredibles are some of those movies that will help them understand the bond of siblings.
- Talking will do the trick: Most of the time parents postpone this talk with their child and that is not the best way to start. Talk to your child. Children are curious little munchkins and with a little age appropriate way of communicating will do the trick for you. Tell them how they are going to be the bigger sibling and how they will play an important role in the life of their little brother/sister.
- Ignorance is dangerous: Being ignored by parents is where the kid feels less loved when it comes to the arrival of a newborn in the family. Understand that they too are a kid and would want attention, so give them that. Answer their curious questions about the baby. In your ‘baby-busy’ time try to make out a few minutes for them. If you used to have movie nights or game time or picnics with them try to keep it going. You can picnic at home or in your garden or can shift to movies for sometime.
A new baby will bring in a lot of changes in your family. As your baby adjusts to a new sibling, try to be a little more understanding. Reassure them that they are loved and they are as important as they were before the baby. Tell them of the benefits of being the elder one and how they play a crucial role in their sibling’s life. If they are too young to go out with you on a shopping spree, try shopping online. There are excellent online stores offering best in class shopping experience in the boundaries of your home. Just remember that being understanding and patient with your first born will help you and them through this journey.
