Have another baby on the way? While you may have thought of fun ways to tell everyone you’re expecting, you may still need ideas on how to tell your own child that another baby is on the way. Today I want to share some ideas with you on how to give your child the news that they will soon be a big brother or sister, as well as, some tips on helping them out with this new transition.
-Give your child a new book explaining that they will soon be a big brother or sister.
There are so many books on the market that are not only cute, but are packed full of information written in a clear way that will explain what your child’s new role will be and how things may change.
-Buy a fun shirt that says “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” on it for your child to wear proudly.
You could even have them wear the shirt when you share the news with other family members so that your child really feels included and is part of the big announcement.
-Take your child with you to shop for new baby items.
Let your child pick out the coming home outfit that baby will wear when it leaves the hospital. Let your child help you stock the house with diapers and new clothes.
-Make sure they are included.
Try to include your older child in many of the things you do to prepare for your new arrival. Let them help you get the nursery ready, let them choose a new stuffed animal or toy for their little brother or sister, and take them on some of the shopping trips with you.
– Prepare them.
Talk to your child often. Let them rub your belly and feel when the baby kicks. Talk to them about how things are going to be when the baby comes so they aren’t in a state of shock when the baby arrives and things suddenly change.
– Take your child on a special date before the baby comes.
Maybe even a trip. Give your child a last hoorah as an only child and spend lots of one on one time with them before the new addition comes.
-Let them help with the baby.
Let your child (if they are old enough) help with little things. Let them give the baby their bottle if they are able and let them assist you with diaper changes or bath time. Give them simple tasks to do so they feel included and important.
-Let them talk to other kids who have younger siblings.
They can give your child tips and let them know how fun it is to be a big brother or sister.
– Practice.
Get your child a doll or maybe you even have a friend or relative who just had a baby who your child can visit. This will give them a chance to see a baby up close and maybe even hold the baby to get some practice in.
– Love them.
Easy right? The best thing you can do to help your child transition into their role as a new brother or sister is to just simply love them. Your time may have to divide when the new baby comes, but your love will just multiply. The most important thing you can do is to just love your child and make sure they know they are loved just the same as they always were!
Jolene
Wednesday 17th of April 2013
Great article! We have a five year old son and are expecting our second in just a couple of weeks. We purchased "The Big Sibling Book: Baby's First Year According to Me" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and have had a lot of fun filling out the pages together! I highly recommend it to anyone with older children expecting a sibling.