Preparing Your First Child for the New Babies Arrival
Include Your Child From the Beginning
Include your child in the new baby’s arrival from the very beginning. Tell him or her that they are about to become a big brother or sister. Be sure to express to your child how important his role in the family will be and the benefits that this will have. Assure your child that you will love him just as much as always and that the new baby will be someone else who will love him too. Teach him that he will be loved more than before. Allow him to help with making decisions regarding the baby. Even a two year old will appreciate being included and helping in the decision making process. For example take him shopping with you to buy punk rock baby gifts, let him choose between two choices which he thinks the new baby will like the best.
Let him help decorate the nursery
Even if that help is confined to putting small objects on a low shelf let him help. Perhaps you can allow him to pick out a special toy for the baby that is from his big brother or sister. Another option may be giving your older child a new toy and explain that the new gift is from the baby. As your pregnancy progresses allow him to feel the baby move, answer his questions and read him books so he understands that the reason mother’s body is changing is because of the baby.
Make Your Child Feel Special and Needed
Any young child is bound to feel a bit jealous when they see all the new things that the baby is getting like punk baby clothes from showers. Having a completely separate big brother or sister celebrations where you suggest that your friends bring a small gift for your older child can combat this feeling. Offering a gift or two just because he has a new role in the family will go a long way in helping make your first born fit into his new role.
Show You Child the Hospital Nursery
If at all possible arrange with the hospital staff to take your child on a tour of the delivery room and nursery. Expressing that this will be where your new brother or sister will stay until arriving home. Tell him or her that you need them to keep dad company until your return, so they will feel like they are helping at this very special time. If you want your child to really look forward to the new baby coming home then give your child a little talk that everything is going to be just fine. Continuing to include them once the baby is born will make for an easier adjustment for both you and your first born.
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