How to welcome another child to the family

Any parent will find the birth of a new child to be an amazing event! It’s a season filled with wonder and a celebration of life’s magnificence. The younger members of your family might not be as excited about the new addition, despite the fact that having a baby in your life may bring you overwhelming delight. This is ok, no matter the family situation. The dynamics of any family are going to be significantly changed by the addition of a new sibling. 

This is going to be a time of wonder, fear, joy, and anxiety but it doesn’t have to be. We have some tips for you that will help you prep yourself and the other members of your family for the addition of the new sibling. 

Don’t tell too early

Finding out your wife is pregnant once more is wonderful, and telling others is much more so. Share it, it’s great. But not with your little child (or children), at least not now. Because of their inadequate understanding of time, learning about this wonderful occasion months in advance causes concern and anxiety. When they hear about something happening, toddlers assume it is happening right now. Additionally, waiting is just too difficult. Instead, you should try to wait as long as you can before telling them and in specific terms. How long should you wait? Idealy, you’ll tell them in the last month of the pregnancy.

Introduce your current child or children to the baby beforehand

Being an older sibling or brother is completely strange to many young youngsters. A healthy method to familiarise them with the thought of a new baby and the role of a sibling while allowing you and your partner to bond over the new child is through literature. If you talk about the kid with eagerness, perhaps that attitude will spread to them as well. Inspiring their interest in the infant now may result in an interest in their new sibling from the moment they meet them.

Expect some regression

Toddlers are infamous for regression in general but older kids regress too. This might happen either before or after the baby is born. Their excitement, anticipation, and fear are ways for them to express that they are unsure of what is happening. Increased clutching, difficulties using the toilet, more wailing or tantrums, and disturbed sleep are frequent. Try your best to keep in mind how small your younger child is and steer clear of power struggles as much as you can. Bring them nearer since they are more in need of you. They will benefit greatly from extra hugs, cuddling, and “babying” as you support them through this significant shift in your family.

Expect some jealousy

Siblings that adore one another and are lifelong friends are something we strive for when growing our family. That will take place. Later. For the time being, a new baby can make your toddler feel mixed emotions, including love and jealously. It will assist them manage those difficult feelings if you try to identify the frustration and confusion your child is experiencing by saying something like, “It is so annoying when mommy has to nurse the baby again!” Acknowledge their need for your company by saying, “I’ll change the baby’s diaper so quickly that I can come back and read you a book.” This will help them feel seen, heard, and understood.

Put all the attention on the older one

Give your child the impression that their new sibling is present for them. Utilize phrases such as “Look baby, your brother/sister is back home from school” or “Hey, your baby brother/sister is looking for you”, or “baby was waiting for you!”.  You might even consider getting a gift to your child/children from the baby. 

Forget about perfection

Look, we all want things to be perfect and just right. Heck, you might even have a family system down pat at the moment that just works. Introducing a new baby to the family is going throw all of that out of whack and that is ok! Do your best to be there for your wife, and your children. The other stuff, such as cleaning dishes, or organizing clothes for example can all wait.

Adding a baby to your family is a big step forward, believe in the process. Enjoy!