May 18, 2007

Helping the Older Sibling Adapt to the New Baby

By Brooke Schuman

A new baby to an older sibling can be a nightmare and he/she can act out. The older sibling might feel less loved like they are not the favorite anymore, or feel lonely and jealous because the new baby gets all the attention that he/she used to get before the baby. So here are some tips to make this transition easier for the whole family.

Explain that he is the older sibling and you the parent need help in raising this little baby. Children love to help and will be happy that you are including him/her.

Have your child go and get diapers and clothes for you they love to help out.

Have your baby help you put the baby to sleep by reading to the baby and singing little songs.

If possible rock them both at the same time so the older one doesn't feel left out.

Spend separate alone time with the older sibling at least once a day so they still feel important.

Hang the older siblings drawings and other things child has done on the refrigerator, tell him/her how proud you are of them and how special they are to you.

Keep visitors down to a minimum, for the older child's sake. The visitors came to see the new baby, and chances are they won't pay attention to the older child making the older sibling feel less important.

Just remember to include the older sibling and let him/her know you are proud of them, and that they are special, and you love them. Good Luck with this new and exciting transition.