7 Ultimate Ways To Deal With a New Sibling

Thinking about expanding your family?

How will your child handle a little brother or sister?

Are you worried that your child won’t accept a new child into your home?

Every parent has the same worries; you’re not alone! There is good cause for concern because not all siblings get along. If you had brothers and sisters growing up you know it wasn’t a cake walk. It was probably a struggle sharing, playing nice, and competing for your parent’s attention 24/7.

According to the University of Michigan Health System, help your child adjust to their baby brother or sister by doing the following:

1. Set aside special time for your older child.
2. Listen to how your child feels about the baby.
3. Make sure it’s very clear that no hurting is allowed when they’re angry.
4. Have some special “big brother” or “big sister” gifts to give your child as friends and relatives start showing up with baby gifts, so your older child won’t feel left out.
5. Give them special jobs that they can do to help the family and let them help with the baby’s care.
6. Make sure the older child has things of their own.
7. Point out the benefits of being an older child.

Give these recommendations a try. Your child will be able to adjust better to a changing family dynamic if they’re aware of what’s going on, rather than being left in the dark. Your child will be able to grasp the concept better if you prepare them ahead of time. This will allow you to feel less worried as your older child and new baby learn about one another.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.