Schoolyard - Tips and Advice: Helping siblings to prepare for the arrival of a new baby

by Wai Chong Mak
(Singapore)

FeedTheVillage.com - Tips and Advice: Helping siblings to prepare for the arrival of a new baby

Helping siblings to prepare for the arrival of a new baby

Some parents find it difficult to prepare for the older sibling for the arrival of the newborn baby. They may be fear of creating sibling rivalry and thus delay talking to the older siblings about the baby and arrangement of care.

In fact, the earlier the parents are revealing the news, the more time will be given to the older siblings to prepare for the arrival of the newborn baby. Most importantly, parents need to reassure the older siblings of their unconditional love and acceptance to them. It helps the older siblings to connect with the unborn baby at the earliest stage.

The followings will help the siblings to prepare for the arrival of newborn baby:

Parents need to give reassurance of love even before and after the arrival of the baby. Parents can give love messages to all the children. Some parents like to tape their special love message to children. Other parents like to give a card to children to express their love.

Older siblings are the best helper for parents. They can read story, sing a song or play a musical instrument for the unborn baby. These bonding activities will strengthen their connection with foetus.

Another way to prepare for the older siblings for acceptance of the baby is to give a surprise gift to them. Parents can tell the older siblings the gift is selected by the unborn baby. It helps them to feel the love from the parents and baby.

When it is nearby to the time of delivery, parents needs to tell them about the arrangement of care. For instance, when parents are not around, a relative, grandparents or helper will help to take care of the older siblings temporary. When they are informed of the arrangement, their anxiety will be reduced.

It is advisable for mother to put the older sibling's picture or cards (as a reminder of children's love) inside her hospital bag. She can tell them that they are with her in her heart where she goes. At the same time, parents may give a piece of their belonging to children. When they miss parents, they can feel the presence of their parents in their heart.