New member in the family
In a few months I will give birth to my second child. How can I prepare my 3 year old son for the arrival of the new member??
Certainly a new child in the family means big changes. Siblings who are prepared will more easily adapt to these changes by minimizing feelings such as insecurity, uncertainty, and jealousy.
Below you will find some tips for preparing before the arrival of the new member
- Inform your son how children are made and born. There are many books that can help you.
- Give your child many opportunities to share with you the process of the development of the embryo, visit the doctor together, study pictures from books and explain to him what stage his sibling is at.
- Tell him about the time you were pregnant with him. Show him photos of his own growth
- Allow your first child to participate in all stages of the preparation, birth and care of the baby. The more he participates, the more important and useful he will feel.
- Inform your son about the changes that will be made with the arrival of the new member. Tell him that mom will feed him, put him to sleep, wash him and that he can caress him and sing to him.
- Offer your first child outlets to express his feelings. It is important to give your son the opportunity to ask questions and talk about his feelings. Don't forget that his emotions can change from excitement to jealousy and from joy to anxiety
- Explain to him what are the benefits of having a sibling, for example he will have company in the games, they will go for walks together etc.
- Accept some changes in your son's behavior such as the appearance of new or old habits. For example, he may ask to drink milk from the bottle, stop using the toilet and even talk like a baby. These behaviors are usually short-lived, so don't worry.
It may seem difficult at first but slowly he will start to adapt, accept and enjoy the presence of the new member.
Anesiadou Kassiani, nursery teacher
Kokkinou Sofia, kindergarten teacher
