How to Make a New Big Sister Or Brother Feel Special

Having a baby is an exciting and challenging time for4. Set aside special one-on-one time each day for
any new parent, and additional complications arise foryour older child to spend time alone with Mom or
parents who already have children. Becoming a siblingDad, or if you are finding yourself completely
can be quite confusing for children, and feelings ofoverwhelmed with new parent duties ask
jealousy and sibling rivalry are real, right from theGrandparents, Aunts, Uncles or close friends to come
start. Here are a few tips we've found to help easeover and spend some quality time with the new big
a new big brother or sister into the idea, and showsister/brother(or maybe even a field trip to the Zoo!)
them just how special, unique and important they are!5. Encourage 'big brother' or 'big sister' acts while
1. Don't force it. If your older child is interested indiscouraging regression or 'baby' acts from your older
touching or holding his/her new little sibling, encouragechild. At the same time, it is important that your older
them, but if they'd rather look from a distance forchild has boundaries where it comes to the new
now, that's fine, too!baby. Its very common for a new older sibling to
2. Let your older child pick out a special gift for hiswant to take over!
new little brother or sister before hand, and allow himHaving a new baby is a very exciting time, but
her to present it once the baby is born.becoming a new sibling is just as exciting and an
3. Have a special 'big brother' or 'big sister' gift readyimportant milestone in a child's life! In time, they will
for your older child. Customized t-shirts that featuregrow to have a very special and lasting bond - take
the child's name are a great way to honor your olderit slow, and best wishes!
child and make them feel special.