Having a new sibling can be exciting but challenging for the older child. How the child behaves will depended partially on her temperament. Sensitive children may need more  adjusting .

 

new sibling

 

The older child may adjust to the newborn by regressing ( sitting in a baby seat, wanting a diaper or asking for a baby bottle). She will like your attention the most when you are doing stuff for the new baby such as changing diaper or dressing the baby. She may also be aggressive with the newborn.

 

It can also happen that the child may be eager to show the new sibling affection  and connect to her.

 

How to help your child accept a new sibling

  • Give the older sibling special jobs : Let her help out with the baby such as choosing baby clothing, helping soap the baby’s legs or getting you baby diapers.
  • You can seek her advice : You can ask her stuff such as what dress she thinks the baby will like or what story she wants you to tell the baby.  You can also let her sing, read or make funny faces for the baby. This will make her happy knowing that she’s involved in the baby’s life.
  • Spend time alone with her : Set a time aside each day and spend with just the older sibling. This will let her feel special.
  • Acknowledge her feelings : Let her know that it is normal for her to have a rage of feelings about the new baby. Let her talk about how she feels and assure her that she is till loved and special.
  • Let her have her lone time : If she doesnt want to get involved with the baby’s stuff, don’t push it. Some kids cope with the change of a new baby by ignoring their baby sibling at least for a while.

 

Content Sources
Helping your child adjust to a new sibling. Baby Center. https://www.babycenter.com/0_helping-your-child-adjust-to-a-new-sibling_3636582.bc. Accessed October 4th, 2017

New Baby Sibling. C.S Mott Children’s Hospital. http://www.mottchildren.org/posts/your-child/new-baby-sibling. Accessed October 4th, 2017

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