How do I prepare my elder child for sibling?
pepre posted on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 17:32
My son is 7 years old and I am 7 months pregnant with my second baby. Though I have been sharing with my son and telling him that he will be having a company of brother/sister soon. Seeing changes in my physical appearance he has many queries. Though I try to explain several things to him. I am concerned about how should I prepare him for the sibling's arrival. I am sure that after the baby's arrival I will not be able to spend as much time with Vivek. So, what do I do to get him ready for all these.
Experienced moms with 2 or more kids please share your views.
Thanks.
Your son is old enough to understand. Just talk to him how a baby should be taken care of and how he should also be helping you 2 in taking care of his sibling to come. And how he is the elder brother and should be taking care and guiding his sibling. I am sure with a responsibility on him he will not be bothered about how much of your time goes with the baby.
Experienced moms with 2 or more kids please share your views.
Thanks.
don't take too much worry about this. you will be surprised with the way younger one will respond. the elder one will want more time from you. trying to make him understand may not help you much. Can you really think of a way to replace the time a child needs from his/her mother? Every child will want to spend as much time as possible with his mother. And the child will be even more concerned if someone else is taking the time of his mother. so rather than planning for it do justice when the time comes. and let him understand the situations by your actions than your words.
I can understand that your child might be having several questions but I guess the joy of having a sibling will make him share his share of your love. I can tell this looking at my daughter who has been expressing her desire for a sibling. She takes good care of her cousins as well when they are around and never asks for attention towards her.
All the best.
I think if you just keep your elder child in loop by giving him/her some responsibilities and making them realize the importance of being elder am sure the tensions will be less.