How to Help Your Children Accept the New Baby

Sibling rivalry is very common and it is often seen right away when a new baby is brought home. Typically there is more jealousy when the children are closer in age. When siblings are older they are usually less dependent on mom and dad. My two year old son has had a difficult time accepting the new baby so my husband and I have done everything we can to help him accept the new baby and keep sibling rivalry at bay. It has been a challenge but the effort has been well worth it because he is now very loving and affectionate with his little brother. He still has his moments, but for the most part there is peace in our home.

1). Allow special time for your other children. You may find that your very busy with the new baby, and your older child or children may feel left out. Try to make it a priority to spending special time with your older children. Try doing activities that your kids like, and make sure your always telling them how much you love them.

2). Include your older children. Include your older children by asking them to help with the baby. Perhaps they could bring you a diaper, or a toy. Children love to be apart of whatever is going on, and this is one way you can include them.

3). Get out pictures or baby books. By showing your older child their special baby pictures or baby books you can help them to see remind them that they were once babies too, and now they are a big kid. They can look back fondly on those special memories and realize that the baby isn't really a threat.

4). Plan before the baby comes. You can also plan before the baby arrives by reading books, watching videos and talking about the new baby. Make it exciting and fun!

5). Tandem Nursing-If your still nursing your toddler after the baby is born it may be easier on the child to keep nursing the toddler while also nursing the baby. Always nurse the baby first to be sure the baby is getting enough, and then allow your toddler to nurse, or have on child on each side. This can be a challenge, but it can help reduce the incidence of sibling rivalry until you're able to wean your toddler off the breast.

Sources

http://www.drkutner.com/parenting/articles/sib_rivalry.html

http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/helping-older-siblings-to-cope-with-the-new-baby/

http://www.med.umich.edu/1Libr/yourchild/newbaby.htm