How to Prepare Older Children for a New Sibling

A new baby can be a huge change in everyone's life, but for children who are well established in their roles within the family, a new sibling can mean a lot of changes. Preparing your older children for the new baby and the changes that go along with her arrival can really help the transition be easier for everyone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Talk openly with your older child about the pregnancy, the plan for the baby's birth and what to expect around the house after the baby comes home from the hospital. Children usually function best when they are given the appropriate amount of information, but you should keep in mind how much info a five-year-old can take in compared to an eight-year-old or a ten-year-old.
2. Answer questions as they arise and find answers if you are unsure. This sets the stage for open communication when the baby comes home.
3. Allow your older child to make a few decisions in the midst of the new baby adventure. An easy decision is to offer a few options of people to stay with while you are at the hospital.
4. Arrange activities and transportation for your older child so that they can continue with their own hobbies and socializing, while life at home settles down for the new sibling.
5. Plan on setting aside time on a regular basis for your entire family to get used to each other. This can be a dinner out, time set aside to watch a movie or whatever works best for your family, but it is important that it is an activity that everyone can be included in.
6. Be supportive at all times, even when you are exhausted it is important to remember that all of your children need you all of the time.