Avoid Rivalry Between Siblings During Your Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and expecting your second or third child then you know that you must be prepared for some jealousy between siblings. Bringing home a new addition to the family is always great news and very special. I am a strong believer of families being big, I guess it's because I only have one brother and wished my parents would've tried for more.

The problem lies with your first born, which are the ones you should focus on during your pregnancy. I had my own little trick in making sure my daughter (which was two at the time) wouldn't end up jealous or feel less loved by me. Throughout my pregnancy I made sure I let my daughter know there was a baby in my belly. I let her feel the belly grow month by month and would let her feel the baby's kicks. The one thing that I believe helped a lot was telling my daughter that the baby is hers. I would say "This baby is coming soon and you have to make sure that no one bothers her ok? She is your baby and you have to take care of her", when I did this I would tell her almost everyday.

When I was in the hospital she was very excited because I told her that her baby was almost here and she was just overjoyed with seeing her baby. It sounds ridiculous to tell your first born that the baby is his/hers but this makes them feel like the baby is their responsibility. My daughter is great with my newborn, as soon as the baby cries my daughter calls for me or she will give her the pacifier while telling her not to cry gently in her ear. She helps me feed her and also likes it when I lay her on her lap.

If anyone wants to hold the baby she gets a little upset, she sometimes tell visitors that the baby is hers and no one can touch her, which I find great because I know she will look after her when she is bigger. There are many other ways to prevent rivalry toward a new brother or sister. I did some research and also with my personal experience I have listed different ways in dealing with this problem.

Pregnancy
Let your child know that there is a baby coming and involve them in your pregnancy.
Take your child to see other newborns, that way they know what to expect.
Make sure your child has her own room, and decorate it with their favorite character. This you should do a couple of months before delivery so that your child gets used to being in his/her own room and feels grown up. Show your child where the newcomer will sleep and let them know that babies sleep in cribs and big brothers and sisters sleep in their own beds.

Arriving at the Hospital
When you are at the hospital you should not forget to give attention to your first born. Let them know that even though there is a new baby that they will always have the same love and affection you have given them since they were in your belly. Make sure you leave them with someone you can trust and call them everyday and tell them you love them. Have your child come to the hospital to see the baby and to hold him/her. Have your spouse or sitter take your child out to little trips, this way they are busy and feel all grown up.

Home at last
When you arrive home make sure you give special attention to your older child. Have a relative help you with your newborn. Let your child help you get things ready for the baby such as the baby powder, diapers and bottle. I let my older daughter help me bathe my baby and she does a great job at it.

If you prepare during pregnancy the outcome will be more than you could've ever asked for. My newborn loves her older sister, she laughs when she sees her and when she cries my daughter sings Happy Birthday to her so she will stop crying. I thank God a lot too for how things have worked out and I am glad that I prepared soon enough so that my older daughter wouldn't feel left out, and that is because she will never be left out.

I hope this article helps some of you that are awaiting the arrival of a newborn and makes life easier for you and your newcomer.