Help welcome a new sibling
For the past 3 years, my son had our undivided attention. He was everyone's darling. Not only was he our first born, he was also the very first grandchild for both sides of the family.
In 4 1/2 months, he would have to share the limelight. And, this early, we have already been preparing him for what may cause him some stress and insecurity.
A good friend has made several suggestions which made a lot of sense:
The Gift. When we bring the baby home from the hospital, we will be bringing with us a gift for our older son. To ease his acceptance, we will make him believe that the present is from his new sibling.
The Big Help. We will make sure that he gets little tasks whenever we need to "fuss" over the new baby. To make sure that he doesn't feel left out, he will be tasked to get a diaper during diaper changes, hold the baby's hand when he/she is crying, wipe his sibling's mouth when he/she is drooling and so on.
The Quality Time. We will make sure that his needs are met, despite our even busier schedule at home.
Read What's a Parent to Do? from NYU Child Study Center to get an overview of well, what YOU need to know and do if you are expecting a new baby sibling soon.
Our first born is too young to understand all our explanations about a new sibling's arrival. Instead, we will make sure he feels that the limelight will not be taken away from him… he just needs to share it with someone who we all will love, the way we love him.
March 15th, 2006 at 9:30 am
We had our 2nd when our first was about 2 1/2. We had presents for her (From the baby) every time she came to the hospital to see us — I had a c-section so it was 4 days. She had also picked out a present for the new baby in advance that we wrapped and she brought in to the baby. We also bought a bunch of little presents — dollar store type — to give her when people brought gifts for the baby.
She had the funniest reaction when she met the baby. For the first 3-4 days she wouldn’t let anyone but mommy and her hold the baby. Not daddy, not nana, nobody. It was mommy’s baby and she would freak out if anyone touched it! But it has been wonderful. They are now almost 4 and 1.5 and get along GREAT! We are now expecting #3, and hope it goes even half as well! Good Luck!
May 21st, 2006 at 11:42 am
Sibling shirts featuring Big Brother,Little Brother are great gifts to give. Here’s a website that offers some- http://www.beheresoon.com/sub_dept.asp?DeptID=personalized-brother-sister-shirts