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

2008 January 28 by: Scott

Be prepared. Keep in mind the age of the child. For example, 9 months is a very long time in the life of a 4-year-old. Try postponing the discussion until mother is showing - there will be plenty of time to prepare, use a calendar to mark the coming delivery, or discuss the birth in connection to an established point in time such as in the summer, when school is over, around Christmas. Keep everyone involved according to interest - bring the soon to be sibling with you to doctor visits, show pictures of a sonogram. Be concrete about life with a new infant - babies aren’t born playmates, they don’t walk, talk, play ball - they cry, sleep, eat for quite some time. Check with your hospital to see if they have a sibling preparation program.

Don’t go overboard. The birth of a new baby is a momentous occasion but children can be bored by constant talk and planning. The siblings to be would prefer their parents were interested in the current events in their lives.

For the parent with a young sibling:

Imitation and role-playing can help the sibling express feelings and adjust to the new status. So introducing a baby doll when you are pregnant and/or once the new baby is home can increase acceptance and provide an acceptable outlet.