Bringing a second child home is a happy occasion, with parents excited at the prospect of a new round of parenting with a hint of anxiety. The pangs of anxiety usually stem from worries about how the first-born will adjust to the arrival of a new sibling.
For a young child, the transition from an only child and infant in the family to a responsible older sibling is a big one. Parents should treat this with attention and understanding. Dr. Anita Madan, Head of Curriculum Development at EuroKids, shared with HT Lifestyle some tips that parents can use to make a happy celebration for their new big sibling. (Also read: Jokes, giggles, and parenting wins: How humor can be the key to raising happier kids )
1. Prepare in advance
The best way to start building a bond is to discuss the changes early in pregnancy in depth. It is necessary to give the child time to adapt to the concept and to make sure that the anxieties about the future pregnancy are resolved. It’s important to engage your child in age-appropriate conversations, encourage him to ask questions, and be ready with logical answers. Parents should emphasize that the child will continue to receive all the love and support they need.
2. Setting expectations
As mentioned above, reassurance of love and affection is good, parents should talk to the older sibling and prepare them for concepts such as sharing things, explaining why parents need to pay more attention to the baby, etc. This will make it less likely that the older sibling will feel insecure or hurt.
The older brother and sister should also be involved in the basic preparations for the newborn. This can include letting them choose or suggest names, cots and clothes, which instills a sense of ownership and joy when the new baby arrives.
Moreover, parents should understand that occasional feelings of jealousy or insecurity are inherent in children. It is important to create a space for the child to express his emotions, supporting and reassuring him when the chips are down.
3. Read books aimed at siblings
Babies love stories, and reading or asking your child to read sibling story books will help them understand key concepts like sharing and cooperation and help bond before the newborn comes home. Parents should talk to their child about the key lessons from these stories and answer any significant questions or concerns.
4. Reception of a newborn
To build a long-term bond with a newborn, parents should make sure that their baby can get to know their new sibling very quickly, encourage them to interact with the baby with a watchful eye, offer praise and occasional gifts in the form of food, positive interactions and gentle gestures.
Involve siblings in doing small things for the baby, making them feel responsible by facilitating activities like fetching diapers, singing lullabies, or helping with bathing. This can help strengthen the sibling bond and create a sense of responsibility and pride.
5. Setting the daily routine
In the first days, it is also better to maintain the child’s routine as before, as sudden changes can cause anxiety. Parents need to understand that a sense of stability and predictable actions keep the child safe. It should be emphasized that parents and other caregivers should spend time with the older child, planning special activities or outings based on their interests and preferences.
Parents need to be patient and empathetic with their child as they adjust to their new role. All families are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these problems. As a parent, it’s important to recognize this aspect, embrace both the successes and challenges, and use these tips to strengthen family bonds. A marriage of patience, compassion, and understanding, tempered by parental support, will help create a solid foundation for healthy sibling relationships based on trust, love, and understanding.
