RSS
Home
Making your child feel special after a new brother or sister
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Always let your child be apart of the new baby.
How to make your child feel as special as the new sweet smelling baby that has just become a part of your family can be hard at times.
The number one thing to remember is to remind your other child that they are just as important as the new bundle of joy that just joined the family. The easiest way to do that is to have a "Mommy and Me" day. Meaning shortly after the baby comes home, find a day that you can spend some time with just the two of you. It can be as easy as taking them to get an ice cream or maybe to a movie. It doesn't take much for your child to feel special. Another good way to make them feel special is to involve them in taking care of the baby. Have them go get the diaper for you, get a blanket when you need it, or even hold the babies hand when you are feeding it. Its the little things that count to a child.
Just remember that your child is watching every move you make with the baby and they are just curious and want to be involved somehow. What I would be careful with when the baby comes home is telling your child to be "quiet, we don't want to wake the baby" or "don't touch the baby!" You will be better off "reminding" your child that the baby needs a lot more sleep than us so when he is sleeping lets play some quiet games together. Use the babies napping time to do things with your other child. I know you are thinking "YEAH RIGHT" that is when I get my stuff done. Just remember your child only needs a few minutes of your time to feel special. You don't need to be with them the whole nap time just at the beginning so they feel special too. As for "don't touch the baby" you are telling them that they aren't allowed and this will cause some jealousy issues. There is no reason why your child can't touch the baby. You just need to make sure you explain to them that if they want to touch the baby they will have to wash their hands and a grown up needs to be around. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for and if they are given limits ahead of time they will follow them.
The number one thing to always say to your child when a new baby has entered their world is.......... "Boy what a GREAT big sister (or brother) you are, I am so proud of you!" Say it often and with reassurance, it will go a long way!
Here are two books that are great for new brothers and sisters that your child will love and relate to.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
