Preparing your child for a new sibling

Little ones can feel a whole range of emotions when they hear that a new baby is on the way. Here, we look at how to prepare them for this big change.

With a baby coming, it’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement and concern around your new bundle of joy, and how it’s going to change your life as a parent. One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is the effect it can have on your broader family dynamic – particularly if you have other children at home.

While it may not be a surprise for your older child that soon there will be a new addition to the family, that doesn’t mean they fully understand what this entails. Depending on how it’s framed by parents, children can have very different interpretations of what impact this is going to have on the household. With that in mind, it’s worth taking a look at some things to consider when telling your kids about the new arrival, in order to make the adjustment as seamless as possible.

When is a good time?

Of course, it’s completely your decision when to reveal to your children that they’re going to have a new sibling! However, choosing the right time can feel like a total unknown. Many parents second-guess themselves while trying to figure this out. Perhaps you’re struggling to keep it a secret and want to tell them as soon as possible.

Little kids

For young children, nine months of pregnancy is an almost inconceivably long time. Telling them early may result in an initial burst of energy that they won’t really be able to sustain until the birth. Also, it can be difficult for them to understand that there is a little sibling growing ‘in your tummy’ when you have yet to look any different. For these reasons, it can be a better idea to hold off telling young children for a little while – so that they can see the changes your body goes through and they won’t feel like they have to wait too long for the big day!

Older children

For older kids, it can be a better idea to tell them earlier. Older children are naturally more perceptive and they will notice changes in you or around the home relatively quickly. As a result, telling them early can reassure them that nothing is wrong, and that exciting times are ahead! This is a great way to make them feel like they’re included. Whether it’s helping out shopping for new baby clothes or choosing décor for the nursery, your older children will benefit from being involved throughout the process.

Making an early introduction

For most little ones, it can be a challenge to conceptualise the fact that they’re soon-to-be sibling is growing inside mum’s tummy. One way of helping with this is to introduce them to the new baby, in the womb. As a family, you can agree on a nickname for the baby and encourage your children to speak to the upcoming new member. In the third trimester, your baby will be able to hear your other children talking to them, meaning they’ll be getting to know their older siblings’ voices too! Once your baby starts to move in the womb and kick a little bit, invite your children to feel this movement. This is another way to remind them of the reality that a new sibling really is on the way.

The first meeting

You may have envisioned the perfect first meeting between your children and your new baby, and it can unfold that way. However, it might not go as planned and that’s okay too!

With so many nerves from all sides on the big day, it’s impossible to predict how your children will react. Little ones should be allowed to react however they want to this life-changing day. Some may want to come say hello as soon as possible, whereas for others, the gravity of the situation may be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few more tips to make the first introduction a smooth one.

Greet older children first

When your older kids come into the room, greet them first before inviting them to come see their new siblings. Doing this underlines that they’re still just as important to you, even though there is so much focus on the new baby.

Gift exchange

Some children love the idea of having a little gift to present to their brand new sibling. If this is something your family is doing, then consider choosing a token for your older children ‘from’ the baby. An exchange like this will help show that while this new relationship may ask things of everyone in the family, it will also give so much back in return!

Short and sweet

Many little ones may not have the attention span to meet the new baby and stay involved for a long period of time. Keeping this first meeting on the shorter side will ensure that your other children don’t feel too much pressure, and you’ll be able to quickly check in with them and how they’re feeling after this first interaction.

A new pregnancy means that some very exciting times are ahead. Some careful thought will ensure that your other children feel just as loved, included and important as ever!

Image Credit: ShutterStock