Bringing home a younger sibling for your child is an exciting time.
It can be very stressful as well.
Parents are exhausted dealing with the new baby, who demands a lot of attention.
For children, this is a time when jealousy rears its head.
Your child is used to having you all to themselves, and now they are expected to share! Even worse, it seems as though they are supposed to like it.
Everyone is fawning over the baby and telling the older sibling how much they must love having a new sister or brother.
Plus, the baby doesn't do anything.
It can't play games, and it must be treated gently.
This is no fun at all for big brothers and sisters.
Here are some ways to prepare them for the new arrival.
In the months and weeks leading up to the birth, you can talk to your child about how a baby is growing in mommy's tummy.
You can spend some time explaining what the baby will do when it is born (nurse a lot, cry, get burped, etc.
), and how to be gentle around a baby.
You can pull out your child's baby pictures and show them to him or her.
There is also a variety of children's books available on the subject of bringing home a new baby.
You could also spend some time with friends and their new babies.
As much as possible, try to avoid any major changes to your child's life for a few months before and after the birth.
These might include upheavals such as moving or changing schools or day cares, but also lifestyle changes such as weaning or potty training.
If you are moving your older child to a new bedroom, plan the move for several months ahead of baby's due date, so he or she won't feel displaced by the new arrival.
Keeping your older child's routine as consistent as possible around the time of the birth will help ease the transition.
Expect some "regressive" behaviors.
Sometimes an older child will ask for a bottle or a diaper, or other "baby" items that they have long since outgrown.
Often if you humour the requests they will cease fairly quickly as the child realizes that he doesn't really want them anymore.
Use your judgement on when to give in and when to stand your ground.
Try to do something special for your older child.
You could give him a gift - the new baby will be getting lots! And remember to give him some one-on-one time, even if it is just for a few minutes every day at first.
Finally, go easy on your child.
His or her whole world has changed, and no amount of preparing can make the child fully ready for it.
Have patience.
He or she may have a rough time for many months while becoming aware that the new baby is here to stay.
And remember to have patience with yourself as well.
This is a big upheaval for everyone.