Is your child ready to welcome the newborn?

Tips on preparing your child to welcome the new member of the family

The arrival of a newborn is exciting for the family, but few expectant parents worry about how their older child will cope with the change and react to the new family member. After all, he/she has been receiving all the attention for few years and now suddenly someone will have a share in it. Children have impressionable minds. A little neglect even if it s unknowingly done can create a bad impact on your child. Hence, it is very important that you prepare your older child to welcome his/her sibling.

Here are some tips that could come handy when preparing your child for the newborn:

Communicate during your pregnancy

• Don t shy away from speaking to your child during and about your pregnancy. You ll have to explain things in a way that kids of their age would understand.
• The most common question kids have is where do babies come from? Instead of saying that they come from hospitals or God sends them, explain to them that they come from mommy s belly. Show them pictures of infants or take them to friends who have infants so they know what exactly their newborn sibling would be like. Or, read from this book to them.
• If you are shopping for the new baby, involve them. Give them the authority to choose stuff for their sibling. Take their suggestions for potential baby names. Kids would enjoy all this and subconsciously feel responsible for the new member of the family.
• If your doctor permits, you can even take them on your ultrasound visits and let them hear the heartbeat of the baby.
• Tell them stories of how you felt when he/she was in your belly. Help them feel the kicks of the baby and let them talk to the baby if they want to.
• Don t ever ask your child if they want a brother or sister. Chances are they ll be disappointed if they ve wished for a sister and you are blessed with a boy.

Towards childbirth

• During the last trimester, your child will notice changes. Though you can t lift them or allow them to sit on your lap, cuddling and kissing will make them feel equally important.
• Involve him/her while you are preparing your maternity bag to be taken to the hospital during childbirth. Explain to them that you will be away for a day or more because the doctor needs to remove the baby out of your belly. You can suggest they make a welcome card or draw something for their sibling. Only suggest, do not demand it from them.

On arrival

• You may have prepared your child for the arrival of your newborn, but there are times when he/she will still be jealous because guests, relatives and friends are all around the newborn. Ensure that your child is always next to you and you praise him/her enough for helping you with things during your pregnancy.
• If your child wants to help you with the baby, give them small tasks like singing or clapping for the baby while changing nappies and clothes. When spending time with your newborn, keep talking about your elder child and praising how the big brother or sister is going to protect the baby.

Remember, do not overdo things. The idea here is to make your child feel important and responsible. So do not concentrate on discussing the baby all the time. Do it in intervals and stop when you feel your child is getting irritated with the talks.

You may also like to read:

10 diaper bag essentials you ought to remember

10 things you need to do so your child doesn t become a brat

9 things you should not do to your infant

Image Source: Shutterstock

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