New Baby Sibling: What’s a Parent to Do?

2008 January 28 by: Scott

What can parents do?

The following are some strategies for parents to use to ease the introduction of a new sibling and to minimize the turmoil of the ongoing sibling relationship.
For any age child and at any stage of the sibling relationship:Remember your feelings about your own sibling.

Don’t compare kids.

Review baby pictures of the older child to put things in perspective and remind/point out that in fact he/she was cared for in just the same way when he/she was born.

If possible, avoid big changes in family life, such as moving or changing caregivers, around the birth of a new baby - such events can be even more overwhelming. It can also cause the sibling to associate a negative experience or change with the new baby.

Take this opportunity to discuss the birds and the bees - use books, experts at the hospital etc.

Look for opportunities in which the sibling can be a participant rather than a competitor in the birth.

Monitor the gift giving, suggest that friends and family bring the baby and sibling(s) presents or even have people give time - take the sibling for a separate outing.