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

2008 January 28 by: Scott

The older child may regress and exhibit more “babyish” behavior - don’t criticize or admonish the child to grow up. Instead, accept it and comment that it may be pleasurable to feel like a baby, indulge the behavior within reason. You may want to discuss the difference between the oldster and new born to reinforce the sibling’s advanced abilities.

Pick tasks the sibling can help with according to their age and ability - get a diaper, read a story while you hold the baby.

Plan special individualized time with the sibling separate from the baby, even if it’s just story time or a ride in the car - point out that it’s time set aside just for the older child.

Don’t despair if the sibling seems resentful or even disinterested - it’s hard to share time and attention. But blood is thicker than water and often the siblings who fought it out in the backyard turn to their siblings most often when older - a shared history is a strong bond.