Bringing Out the Best in Your Child child | Page 9
My 4 year old son is jealous of my newborn son. Is this normal and what can I do about it?
It is completely natural for your child to be jealous of a new baby. In fact, I doubt there is a child in this world who has not been jealous when a new sibling arrives. Your goal is to help your child manage that jealousy so love has a chance to grow, and to win out. The first thing you can do is make him the hero in the eyes of the baby. Tell him you will be you little brother’ s role model and he will look up to you. Next, Make sure your son knows he still has an important role in the family. Reinforce all the wonderful things about who they are and how they contribute to the family. Lastly, try to keep your kids ' routines the same as they were before the baby as much as possible. This will provide a barrier against the anxiety of so much change.
My son and I are constantly fighting. How can we get along better?
This question is very common and I have one word for you: communication. Communication is key to any relationship. Let your son know you ' re listening. When he is talking about concerns, stop whatever you are doing and listen. Express interest in what he is saying and listen to his point of view. Let them complete their point before you respond. Respond in a way your son would like to hear. Soften strong reactions; they will tune you out if you appear angry or defensive. Lastly, notice times when your kids are most likely to talk for example, at bedtime, before dinner, in the car and be available. Wish you all the best!
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My 4 year old son is jealous of my newborn son. Is this normal and what can I do about it?
It is completely natural for your child to be jealous of a new baby. In fact, I doubt there is a child in this world who has not been jealous when a new sibling arrives. Your goal is to help your child manage that jealousy so love has a chance to grow, and to win out. The first thing you can do is make him the hero in the eyes of the baby. Tell him you will be you little brother’ s role model and he will look up to you. Next, Make sure your son knows he still has an important role in the family. Reinforce all the wonderful things about who they are and how they contribute to the family. Lastly, try to keep your kids ' routines the same as they were before the baby as much as possible. This will provide a barrier against the anxiety of so much change.
My son and I are constantly fighting. How can we get along better?
This question is very common and I have one word for you: communication. Communication is key to any relationship. Let your son know you ' re listening. When he is talking about concerns, stop whatever you are doing and listen. Express interest in what he is saying and listen to his point of view. Let them complete their point before you respond. Respond in a way your son would like to hear. Soften strong reactions; they will tune you out if you appear angry or defensive. Lastly, notice times when your kids are most likely to talk for example, at bedtime, before dinner, in the car and be available. Wish you all the best!