It is very important that when a newborn comes into the family that you other child or children do not feel neglected, otherwise they could end up resenting the baby. Here are 7 tips on preparing your child for a new sibling.
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There Will Be a New Routine, Start It Early
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You, your partner and your child will have to adopt a new routine with this new addition. It would be beneficial to all of you, especially your child, to start the routine a few weeks before the birth date. This way your child should become use to the changes by the time the baby arrives and this should allow for a smoother transition.
Arrange for Your Child to Spend Some alone Time with Your Partner
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Photo Credit: Sir Francis Canker Jones
This does not only apply to your partner but to any close family member or friend that will be helping you out with the new arrival. You will find that this way your child develops a bond with another person and will feel comfortable to play or spend time with them whilst you see to the baby.
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Regularly Babysit for Someone You Know Who Has a Baby
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In my opinion this is a great way to prepare a child for a new addition to the family. If you have a friend or family member with a young baby ask them if you could babysit at least once a week. Your child will see what it is like to have a new brother or sister; it is likely that they will gradually become use to it.
Prepare for the Baby Together
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There are numerous tasks that will need to be completed for the arrival of the new baby; it would be worthwhile to involve your child in some of the easier tasks. For example, the baby room will need to be decorated and your child could help with this.
When You Visit the Doctors Take Your Child with You
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Photo Credit: Regina Moore
Visiting the doctor together will show your child that they are still a very important part of your life even though there is a new baby on its way. Normally the child will feel important because they sit in the doctor’s room with you and watch the heartbeat being checked and so on.
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Read Childbirth Books Together
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This will probably depend on your first child’s age but reading these books together will involve them plus educate them, they will know more about the baby and how it will behave. Doing this will help to make your child feel as though they are sharing some of the responsibility and feel useful.
Let You Child Know Exactly What to Expect
The first months after the baby’s birth will not be very exciting for your older child because all they will be able to do is see the baby sleep, eat and cry a lot. Let them know from the start that this will not last forever, in time they will be able to play with their sibling.
There you have 7 tips on preparing your child for a new sibling. The ideas are fairly basic ones that may need to be tweaked slightly in order to suit your family and children.
Top Photo Credit: GeminiRJ
