How to Prepare Your Older Child for a New Baby?
The arrival of a new family member brings many changes. Parents are excited to prepare for the event, while the older child notices these changes and realizes they will soon have a younger brother or sister. The birth of a baby comes with certain challenges, including the need to prepare the older child.
Children need time to understand the new situation and gradually adapt to it. It's important for parents to help their older child cope with possible feelings of jealousy and other emotions during this process. Timely conversations and a warm attitude will aid in preparing the older child for the baby's arrival.
It's recommended to start talking to your older child as soon as you find out about the pregnancy, giving them enough time to process the news. Discuss the upcoming changes in simple, easy-to-understand language. A curious child may ask many questions, and it’s important to answer them to satisfy their curiosity.
The key is to be sincere and speak plainly so that the child feels their interests are important to the parents. Preschoolers may feel jealous and think that all the family’s attention will shift to the newborn. Involving the older child in preparing for the new baby’s arrival can help. You can choose baby furniture and clothes together, and even take them along to doctor’s appointments. This involvement helps them feel included and excited about the new addition to the family.
When the new family member arrives, try to involve the older child in caring for the baby, explaining that this will help them bond. It's also important to establish traditions of taking walks, playing games, and reading stories together, ensuring that both children receive plenty of attention.
