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Most new brothers or sisters may be concerned about if you will still love them as much, if you will have time to spend with them and what this would mean for the family.
Follow these tips to help your child ease into the new situation:
- Open communication: As soon as you find out you are pregnant, discuss this with your child. Explain how a new brother or sister will affect the family and give your child the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns.
- Educate your child: Explain how the baby develops and why your stomach and breasts are getting bigger. Share a good book with illustrations of foetal development.
Also read: Say hello to baby no. 2
- Reassure your child constantly that you love him or her.
- Involve your child in activities such as choosing furniture, equipment and baby clothes..
- Take your child with you when you go for ante-natal check-ups.
- Encourage your child to listen to the heartbeat or feel the baby kicking.
- Help your child to get used to babies by spending time with people who have babies.
- Read books to your child which prepare children for the arrival of a sibling.
Also read: Welcoming a new sibling
- Prepare your child for the time when you are in hospital. Make sure your child is familiar with the person who will be taking care of him or her. This time should be as stress-free as possible.
- Ask your child to help you pack your hospital bag.
What methods have you put in place to prepare your child/ren for the arrival of their new sibling/s? Email chatback@parent24.com to share your tips with us, we may publish them.
