Get Your Children Excited About New Baby

Get Siblings Ready for the New Arrival

Everyone likes to be the center of attention. It feels good, especially when you’re a child. Imagine how your child must feel knowing that they are going to have to actually “share” your attention with someone else. The appearance of a new sibling can be rough on the other children in the family, especially the youngest. Things are going to be different around the house. Mom and Dad will be tired, routines will be disrupted, and they have to share center stage with someone who doesn’t even TALK! Of course your other children are excited about the baby, but they can also be jealous, so best to prepare.

You can help to prepare for the new arrival by getting your children involved and excited about the birth. Most hospitals have an “I’m the Big Brother or Big Sister” class for older siblings. They get to see the hospital and the nursery and the babies so make sure that you sign them up for the classes.

Check out your local public library. There is usually a section devoted just to this topic. Sit in a nice, comfy chair and spend some quality time reading these books that explain the biological process (in easy terms of course) and the new feelings of jealousy or neglect that your child may be experiencing.

Encourage your children to think about all the good ways that their life will change with a new brother or sister in the house. Make sure they know what the role of “big brother or sister” really means. Will they be able to help dress the baby or pick out some new clothes for the baby? Can they help get the nursery ready? Maybe your child can start putting aside some of their old toys, books, or stuffed animals that they might want to pass down. Will they be able to help choose a name for the new baby or draw some cards or pictures to welcome them into the family?

Explain that every family member is of equal importance and has their own special contributions to make. Communicate that they are not being replaced by the baby and that the family cannot be whole unless EVERYONE is a part of it. The more they feel that it is THEIR baby, too, the more positive their attitudes will be towards the baby. In this way, you can try to minimize the natural insecurities and feelings of jealousy that go with the territory.

Of course when explaining all of this, don’t make the same mistake I made. My son was fine visiting them at the hospital. But when he realized that the babies were coming home with us – that’s when he screamed!