Going from being an only child to being a big brother or big sister is a huge change in every child’s life. Sometimes, they might not be very accepting of the fact. Sometimes, they get extremely excited! Or they may be somewhere in between. But, helping them adjust to the changes can be easier if you start before the baby is born. Check out these tips by Paula at Beauty Through Imperfection:
-Practice with a baby doll: little girls AND little boys need to learn how to be gentle with a baby- a doll can be good practice.
-Read books about the transition
Here are some of my mom’s personal tips:
-At the baby shower, make sure the older sibling gets presents as well, so they feel included
-Some hospitals offer big brother/ big sister classes! How fun! They also will give you tours of the hospital and the nursery, so your child knows what to expect.
-When a baby is born, it’s extremely easy to get caught up in the excitement. They need tons of care, and lots of time: just make sure you constantly let your older child know how much you love them and don’t forget to give them attention as well!