How to stop your children feeling jealous
While you’re no doubt feeling excited about the prospect of bringing a new baby home, older children can find it difficult to accept change. Even though you may have involved them in the pregnancy along the way, it can still be a shock to discover that they can’t have all of your attention anymore.
They may even feel as though the new addition to the family is pushing them out of the picture. So be sure to tell them that you love them and that they’ll always be important to you. Make them feel involved in their new brother or sister’s life by asking them to help you. They could help choose your baby’s clothes, push the pram when you go walking together or buy a present for them.
Introducing their little brother or sister!
Sibling relationships can turn into great friendships, but they can also sometimes cause conflict. Even the best of friends can have a falling-out! A lot depends on the personalities of your children, but by preparing your children for the arrival of another, you can help them to build a strong relationship from the start.
Toddlers can often find it difficult to understand anything that doesn’t directly affect them. So when you introduce your new baby to your toddler, explain all of the good things that will happen to them as a result of their little brother or sister arriving. Older children especially might enjoy being introduced as ‘big brother’ or ‘big sister’ and given the grown-up responsibility of being asked to help care for your baby.
Spend time with them
It’s important that your child gets also quality time alone with you or your partner. Your partner plays an important role here, and can have special fun days out with them, which will help them feel special. And if your child starts behaving like a baby, remind them of the fun things they can do because they’re older. Like all things to do with children and babies remember to be patient, and take things one day at a time!
Although it might take a little while to get used to a new member of the family, the relationship won’t always be difficult. With your care and guidance, an older child can learn to love having someone new to play with!