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Prepare your children for the actual birthing experience
Talk to them before the delivery about what arrangements have been made when you have to
leave for the hospital. Make sure that they are comfortable with their temporary caretaker.
Let them know you will be home soon with their new brother or sister. While in the hospital,
call your children frequently and allow them to visit after the baby is born.
Make your child your “little helper”
Enlist your children’s help with simple tasks. Ask them to bring you the diapers or the
baby wipes, or have them entertain the baby. Helping your child find a role to play in their
new sibling’s life can make them feel special. Don’t force them into the role, however,
if they don’t want to. They may end up feeling resentful of the extra work. Your children
will get more involved when they are ready.
Give your children extra attention when they need it
Spend time alone with your other children each day. It can be as simple as playing, reading,
cuddling or a trip to the store. During the first few months after the baby is born, you might
also want to give your children inexpensive gifts, so they won’t feel left out.
Reassure them that you still love them the same
Make sure your children know you still love them and that they are not being replaced. Let them
know that even though you’re excited to have another child in the family, your love for them
will remain the same. Give lots of kisses and hugs.
Don’t give up
No matter how hard you try, there’s bound to be some rough spots along the way. Patience is
the key to getting your older children to adjust to a new baby. Give them some extra understanding
and attention and soon enough they’ll realize there’s enough love to go around for
everyone.
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