Help Older Siblings Adjust To A Newborn
Introducing a new person into your family can be difficult. Now imagine that person not being able to communicate with you and consumes the time of your parents. That is what your newborn baby is to your older children. It can be a confusing and stressful time for siblings, but as their parent you can help! Help older siblings adjust to a newborn with these tips!
Prepare Siblings
Long before your newborn arrives you can help your children with the adjustment. I recommend that as soon as you know you are pregnant begin adjusting your children. This does not have to include telling your children you are pregnant quite yet, but rather are small things that evolve over time.
Independent Play
Start to help older siblings adjust to a newborn by encouraging independent play. This tip is especially helpful if you have younger children who are still at home during the day! By fostering and encouraging independent, your children will slowly grow a tolerance for playing alone. Independent play is convenient for you, but can also boost creativity, problem solving skills, and self confidence.
Share The News!
When you feel that the time is right, share the big news with your children! You can have a celebration with treats, or just have a talk. But either way when you do discuss what is happening, be sure that this time is distraction free. Validate their feelings as well as reconfirming your love for them. You may have to explain that you are expecting a baby multiple time for younger children. And be prepared to answer the many questions that your children are sure to have!
Involvement
Involve your older children in the nesting that is sure to take place. Let them help prepare your nursery, wash hand-me-down onesies and swaddles, and even have them pick out a gift to give their new sibling! When you involve your children in baby’s arrival they feel that this is their baby too, creating a bond with your newborn before they even reach earth side.
Once Baby Arrives
You have had a baby before, you are familiar with it but know that it still will be a lot of work! This will take time away from your other children and may leave you feeling disappointed in yourself. Avoid all of this by continuing the adjustment and forming kind habit with your older children. Help older siblings adjust to a newborn everyday with these tips for when baby arrives!
One-On-One
Make your older children feel special every day. This does not have to be something big and grand, but rather can be as simple as incorporating their helping hands in daily tasks. Here are a few ideas of how to have simple one-on-one time with your older children everyday.
For Children Who Are Still At Home During The Day
color together
play in the yard together
read books together
make a snack together
let them help pick out the groceries
let them help move laundry over to the dryer
start daily affirmations
For Children Who Are In School/Daycare During The Day
make bed time rituals special
have one-on-one conversations before school or before bed
Have one night of the week they can stay up thirty minutes later to play a game or read with you
make the most out of weekends and holidays with them
go on an evening walk together
let them help with cooking dinner
give them more opportunity to make choices
With both siblings who stay home all day and are at school you will need to validate their emotions and have meaningful conversations. Talk about how they are feeling, how they are adjusting and if they feel that they are getting enough of you.
Family Time
Find ways to spend time together as a family everyday, that includes your newborn baby. This can be done at dinner time, while reading stories at bedtime or a family walk. Even if your newborn is sleeping, have them there! This will reestablish their arrival and how you are all in this together!
If finding time to be together during the week is difficult, then try to expose your children to baby as much as possible. Let them watch your newborn sleep, cuddle together with your supervision, or help retrieve diapers or bottles. You can also make the most of the weekends! Spend time as a family once a week to create memories and bond.
Having a newborn is always exciting! And when you help older siblings adjust to a newborn you will be able to enjoy the newborn stage even more. Creating beautiful memories and deep bonds. You deserve document this tender time so that you can always remember. Reach out and let’s chat about your newborn session!
