Pregnant Again?
Tips to Avoid Sibling Rivalry
Bringing a new baby into your family is an exciting
time for parents. If you already have school-aged children,
their reactions to your pregnancy announcement
may range from excitement to indifference or even resentment.
Child Psychologists recognize the importance
of preparing your children in advance to ward off
future sibling rivalry or resentment.
To help create excitement and love for the new babyto-be,
talk to your children in clear, simple language,
and share expectations of what will happen when
the baby arrives. Talk about ways they can help – by
handing you a diaper or holding the baby while he falls
asleep. Invite them to help set up the nursery with you
or put them in charge of finding the perfect cominghome
outfit for the baby. They’ll feel more included by
being a part of the process and will feel that they have
a say in certain things.
Teach them about the unborn baby’s development. A
pregnancy countdown book designed for school-aged
children can help them keep track of your due date and
understand the baby’s day-by-day changes with ageappropriate
language. Can they go to a pre-natal appointment
with you? Hearing the baby’s heartbeat or
seeing ultrasound images can help make it all real to
them. If you have a friend with a new baby, arrange a
visit, if possible, for some hands-on learning.
Create a special routine with each child now and continue
it after the baby is born. Whether it’s Donuts with
Dad every Friday or snuggling on the couch reading
together before bedtime, having this special time with
a parent to look forward to can create a familiar and
comforting feeling.
The most important thing is to make sure each child
feels loved and special. Change can be hard – especially
in a young person who cannot always express
what they are feeling. By laying the foundation for a
healthy relationship now, feelings of resentment and
sibling rivalry can be replaced with a strong brotherly
or sisterly love.
Check out MAKING ME: THE PREGNANCY
ACTIVITY BOOK FOR MY BIG BROTHER OR SISTER
by Julie B. Carr
motherlyway.com