how to help my child accept our new baby

I thought my son would be excited to be getting a baby brother or sister. I was wrong.

When I fell pregnant with my second child I was so excited. But my son wasn’t as excited. At first he was fascinated with the idea of a baby growing in my stomach and the concept of being a big brother, but that excitement soon faded as he realised soon, he’d have to share me.

As my due date approached, my then four-year-old told me that when his little brother arrived (yes, we were expecting another boy!) he’d like me to give the baby to his grandmother.

So, we had some work to do.

I spent the next few months doing as much as I could to help him get ready and found some great ideas that really worked.

CLICK THROUGH this guide for how to help your child accept the new baby:

Tell them they will be a big brother or sister.

2. Read them books about new babies

3. Let them help select items for the baby

4. Behave as normally as possible

5. Don't give the baby their toys unless they specifically agree

6. Visit someone with a baby

7. Organise special sibling activities

Don't let your child see you in the pain of labour

9. Organise daily visits

10. Spend time alone after baby arrives

Do you have any tips to add to this list?

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10 no-nonsense tips to help your child accept the new baby.

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