How To Help Your Kids Transition With New Siblings

The birth of a new child is a wonderful and exciting experience for everyone within a family. Not only are there months of excitement and preparation, there is this brand new tiny life to get to know and nurture. However, if you already have children who are now going to be come an older sibling, it can be a tough transition. Whether it is your second, third, fourth or tenth child, here are some ways for you to know How To Help Your Kids Transition With New Siblings. While you are excited about the birth of your new family member, it is important to not let existing children feel left out or neglected. 

Get Them Involved: From day one it is important to get them involved. Things like setting up the nursery, making purchases for the baby, going to doctors appointments, feeling the baby kick and even learning how to change diapers are all great ways to plan before the baby arrives. After the baby makes his or her appearance, you can then ask for their help from time to time with things like grabbing diapers, bringing bottles or simply entertaining the baby while you do chores around the house. Getting involved helps them feel they are a part of this new life too.

Give Them Space: Even the happiest of children will occasionally need distance from the new sibling. The crying, constant fussing over the baby and steady stream of visitors in the first month can be overwhelming and upsetting to an older sibling. Plan ahead with a chance for your older child to get out of the house with an aunt, uncle, grandparent or friend for a few hours a week. If that isn’t in the works for your family, understand when they just want to go to their room alone and play. Make sure they feel loved and know they are welcome, but don’t force them to be in the middle of the “baby show” all the time. 

Give Them Special Time: Make sure to give them your attention one on one. As a new mother it can be tough to leave your baby while you go out to do something with an older child. It can also be tough if you are one of the many women who had a difficult labor and delivery that resulted in surgery at birth. There are many complications, but giving your child special one on one time is important. If possible, plan ahead for a special day out while your spouse or a grandparent helps care for the baby. If a day out isn’t possible, work on spending an hour or two with just the older sibling. Lock yourself in their room to play, snuggle, watch a movie or read a book without the baby. This is time for them to feel loved and to understand that they are still a very important part of your life.

New additions to your family are huge blessings, but they do not always come easily. There are multiple things that contribute to how easily your children will adjust to a new sibling. Using these tips to help your kids transition with new siblings will definitely make this an easier time for all. Remember that your older siblings will have to learn to share you, your spouse and their personal space. Expect some hiccups along the way, but don’t give up.