The Arrival Of A Little Sister Or Brother Is The Best Gift
When you are pregnant, you can begin preparing your older child for the arrival of a new family member.
The way you approach the birth and inclusion of a new baby in the family can be a great help in dispelling the fears and jealousy of an older child.
The birth of a new sibling is something that should bring joy to the firstborn. However, it is common for a child to be jealous or even feel very irritated towards the baby.
This is because the new sibling is causing very big changes. It can be difficult for children to fully adapt to all of these changes.
How do you get first to adapt to the situation in a healthy way?
If you want your firstborn to be happy with the arrival of your baby, you should help her.
The following advice can be a great help.
Firstborn by the hospital
This is a good choice because it allows the child to be with the mother and meet their little sibling early.
This also allows the child to observe the newborn, which can help to develop a bond between siblings.
One good idea is to give a gift from a newborn to an older sibling.
You should make the firstborn feel that the love the family has for him has not changed – he is still a very significant part of the family.
Stick to everyday routines
The arrival of a new baby causes many changes at home. However, you should try to keep your firstborn routine (as much as possible) intact so you can avoid confusion.
For you cannot avoid all changes, explain to your oldest child why the changes are happening. Respect his condition and keep his belongings where they have always been.
Spend time on both
While this can be difficult, you should try to find moments so that you can be alone with your firstborn as well.
Both parents should spend time and enjoy spending time with both children.
Involve your child in activities related to your new baby
Allow her to take part in caring for the baby.
She can carry a diaper or bottle – or take care of something else that is up to her (depending on her age).
This will all make him feel useful, and it will facilitate the acceptance of a new family member.
Another option is to have fun with the firstborn when the baby is present. In this way, she gets to experience that her mother still has time to sing, play, and read stories to her.
The main goal in all of this is for your firstborn to see that the new sibling is a gift to the family.
Talk to your child
You should communicate clearly to your child – based on age and maturity – and explain what is happening.
When a child is 2 years old, he is able to understand many things.
Listen carefully to his concerns and respond to them in a way that helps him understand. You can also talk to her about the time she was a baby herself and how you cared for her at the time.
Show her pictures and baby clothes she liked. This makes him identify with the baby.
It is important to show affection at all times so that the child will feel that his parents love him firmly.
Keep the roles of other family members unchanged
Family members such as grandparents, aunts and uncles can also spend time with their firstborn. For example, they can play in the park, have a snack or go to the movies with a child.
This prevents her from noticing the big change and the fact that the mother can no longer spend all her time with her alone.
4 situations that parents should prevent
To avoid awkward situations and misunderstandings, follow these tips:
- Don’t let an older child be too strong as he or she tries to hold your attention.
- As a parent, you should not feel guilty about taking the time to care for your new baby.
- Don’t let your child dominate the situation with tantrums and uncontrollable crying.
- Be stubborn, but also loving and patient when you hand him.
Why do firstborns become jealous of a new baby?
Jealousy is normal and positive if it is within certain limits. It shows that the child has developed a strong attachment to his or her parents. It is important that the child loves and becomes loved.
A new baby usually gets everyone’s attention, and especially parents. Therefore, the eldest child feels that his or her relationship with his or her parents is under threat.
He then shows his fear through unusual behavior.
Parents should give attention to all their children and show them the love and affection they deserve.
If you do this, the arrival of a new sibling will be the best gift in the world for your firstborn.
