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Step 1
The habit of babying the youngest child often carries over into adulthood. It is important that you teach each of your children to be self-sufficient and do things for themselves. As early as possible, teach your children to be independent and self-reliant. Doing things for "the baby" that he could do for himself is a habit that can be hard to break.
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Step 2
Enforce the same set of rules for all of your children. Be fair and consistent--if the breaking of the rule is a punishable act for an older child, it should also be punishable for the youngest child. Have a clear set of rules that apply to everyone, with age-appropriate consequences if the rules are broken. If the baby of the family is allowed to "get away with murder," it can be carried into adulthood. It is important that each child learn from the beginning that a rule is a rule and should be followed by everyone.
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Step 3
Teach the youngest to be responsible for her own actions. Don't use the excuse that she is the baby and didn't know better. Each person should be taught that she will be held responsible for her own actions at an early age. Once your child gets out in the world, she will not be viewed as "the baby" but as an individual.
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Step 4
Don't make your older children "give over" to the youngest child. If your older child is playing with a toy that the youngest wants, teach him to wait his turn rather than having the older child give the toy up. Teach the youngest child to share just as you would the older children.
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Step 5
Do praise the youngest child for her efforts--even though it is not a first for you, remember it IS a first for him. Encourage your child to learn new things and praise both his attempts and accomplishments. Show you youngest child that he is just as important to you as an older sibling--but on the other hand, the older sibling is important to you as well.
