How To Get Your Kids Excited About A New Sibling

I hope today’s tips on How To Get Your Kids Excited About A New Sibling, will help you or a friend with this transition. I remember when my middle child Sean was born, it came as a complete shock to my oldest son, Josh. On the day we brought Sean home, Josh looked at his new brother as if to think, “Why are you here and why are you taking all my mom’s time?” Unfortunately, it didn’t prepare Josh for the new life coming into our home, and that is something I always regretted.

However, the good news is that the boys are now best friends and they adore their sister.

Becoming a new parent is a wonderful and exciting experience, but it can also be a bit daunting for older siblings. It is not uncommon for them to feel jealous or neglected when a new baby comes along. As a parent, it’s important to make sure your older children feel loved and included in this new chapter of your family’s life. Here are some tips to help you get your kids excited about a new sibling.

Start Early

It’s important to start talking to your children about the new baby as early as possible. Depending on their age, they may not fully understand what’s happening, but you can start introducing the idea gradually. Share ultrasound pictures, read books about babies and siblings, and talk about how their role as a big brother or sister will be important.

Involve Them In The Process

Make sure your children feel like they are a part of the journey. Take them to prenatal appointments if possible, or let them help choose clothes or toys for the new baby. You can also have them help with setting up the nursery, decorating, or picking out a name. This will help them feel important and valued.

Why not let your kids help plan the baby shower or release the gender reveal cannon (prioritizing safety, of course)? As these events tend to be more about the new arrival, it will give your kids something to look forward to. 

Talk About Their Babyhood

Remind your children about their own babyhood and what it was like to be a baby. Show them pictures or videos of when they were born and talk about what they liked to do when they were a baby. This will help them understand and relate to the new baby.

Plan Special Activities (Unrelated To The Baby)

Plan special activities with your older children that they can look forward to. For example, take them to a special restaurant or to see a movie they’ve been wanting to see. This will help them feel like they are still getting quality time with you, even though a new baby is on the way.

Get Them Excited About Their New Role

Talk to your children about their new role as a big brother or sister. Let them know how important it is and how much the new baby will look up to them. You can also read books about being a big brother or sister, and talk about all the fun things they’ll be able to do together. When you let your kids know they’re going to be your “big helpers”, they’re more inclined to welcome their new sibling with open arms. 

Get Them Involved In The Baby Care

Once the baby arrives, involve your older children in baby care. Let them help with diaper changes, feeding, and bath time (with supervision, of course). This will help them feel like they have an important role in taking care of the new baby.

Prioritize One-On-One Time

It’s important to make one-on-one time with each child a priority, even after the new baby arrives. Set aside special time each week to spend with each child individually, doing something they enjoy. This will help them feel special and loved, and will also give you a chance to connect with each child.

Encourage Bonding

Encourage bonding between your older children and the new baby. Let them hold the baby (with supervision), sing songs, and talk to the baby. You can also have them help with choosing the baby’s clothes or toys. This will help them feel like they have a special connection with the new baby.

Give It Time

Remember that it’s normal for your older children to feel jealous or neglected at times. Be patient and understanding, and take the time to listen to their concerns. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know that you love them just as much as you love the new baby.

Celebrate Milestones

Celebrate milestones with your older children throughout your pregnancy and after the new baby arrives. From using fun props like wedding sparklers, confetti, and wearing “big sibling” t-shirts in your pregnancy announcement video to taking pictures at play time, birthday pirates, and other exciting times, it can make a big difference. This will help your older children feel like they are a part of the new baby’s life and will help strengthen their bond.

Having a new sibling can be an exciting and challenging time for older children. However, with some preparation and patience, you can help them feel loved and included in this new chapter of your family’s life. Remember to involve your children in the process, plan special activities, encourage bonding, and make one-on-one time a priority. Celebrate milestones together and be patient and understanding when your older children have concerns or feel neglected. With these tips, you can help your children embrace their new role as big brother or sister and create a strong, loving bond with their new sibling.

Overall, welcoming a new baby into your family can be a joyous and exciting time for everyone involved. By taking the time to involve your older children in the process, encourage bonding, and make one-on-one time a priority, you can help create a strong, loving bond between your children that will last a lifetime.

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