Bringing a new baby home is an exciting time for families, but it’s also a big change—especially for older siblings. For children, the arrival of a baby can stir up a mix of emotions. While they may feel excited and proud to be a big brother or sister, they might also experience moments of jealousy or confusion as they adjust to sharing their parents’ attention.
The Joy of Becoming a Big Sibling
For most children, becoming an older sibling is an empowering moment. They relish their new role and love helping out, whether it’s bringing diapers to Mom or singing to the baby during tummy time. They take pride in being “the big kid,” with new responsibilities and privileges.
But even amid the excitement, it’s normal for kids to have conflicting feelings. One of the ways you can help is by involving your child in daily activities.
Ways to Involve Your Child in Daily Activities
- Baby Care Helper: Let them hand you diapers, wipes, or a blanket during diaper changes. Encourage them to “supervise” tummy time or sing songs to entertain the baby.
- Mealtime Assistant
- Have them help prepare simple meals by stirring, pouring, or arranging ingredients.
- Allow them to “help” feed the baby by holding a bottle under your supervision or offering a pacifier.
- Storytime Buddy Invite them to read or show picture books to the baby. Create a ritual where they choose a bedtime story for both themselves and the baby.
- Household Chores
- Assign small, manageable tasks like folding baby clothes, putting toys away, or dusting surfaces.
- Praise their contributions to make them feel like a valuable helper.
- Outdoor Adventures
- Let them help pack the diaper bag for outings.
- Involve them in walks by letting them push the stroller (with supervision) or picking a route together.
- Creative Playtime
- Encourage them to draw pictures or make crafts for the baby’s room.
- Have them decorate a “Welcome Home” banner for the baby or create keepsakes like handprint art.
- Bonding Activities
- Let them choose songs for a family dance session with the baby.
- Encourage gentle interaction, such as holding the baby’s hand or giving a soft kiss on the head.
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Be Patient: Acknowledge that their help may slow things down, but the goal is to include them, not perfection.
- Offer Choices: Giving them options (“Would you like to pick out baby’s outfit or carry the diaper bag?”) helps them feel more in control.
- Praise Their Efforts: Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivates them to stay involved.
By making small adjustments and finding creative ways to include them, you’re helping your child feel secure and valued while strengthening the sibling bond.
Navigating Jealousy and Big Emotions
For younger children, sharing Mom and Dad can feel like a loss, especially when they see the baby getting so much attention. They might regress in certain behaviors, like wanting to be held more or even pretending to be the baby. This is completely normal and often a way of processing their feelings.
Here are a few ways parents can help siblings adjust:
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let your child know it’s okay to feel a little jealous or upset. Validating their emotions helps them feel understood.
- Involve Them: Give them small, age-appropriate tasks to help care for the baby, so they feel included and important.
- Set Aside One-on-One Time: Even a few minutes of uninterrupted attention can reassure them that they’re still a priority.
- Celebrate Their Role: Remind them often that they’re doing a great job as a big brother or sister.
Preparing Your Child for the Big Change
A little preparation can go a long way in easing the transition. Reading books about becoming a sibling is a wonderful way to help children understand what to expect.
For children six and under, A New Baby for Our Family: Children’ s Book (https://amzn.to/41WkAry) is a delightful and relatable story I wrote that validates the ups and downs of welcoming a baby. This charming book helps little ones feel seen and reassured, making it a great resource for families preparing for this big life change.
(As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links to these books, at no additional cost to you.)
In addition to the book A New Baby for Our Family, Children’ s Book, there are wonderful resources available to make this transition even smoother for your little one. A companion A New Baby for Our Family, Activities book (https://amzn.to/3W5SLcH) and A New Baby for Our Family, Coloring Book (https://amzn.to/4j38hA7) provide fun and engaging ways for children to express their feelings and excitement about becoming a big sibling.
For older children or those who enjoy writing and drawing, the Little Legends Journal (https://amzn.to/4a2bawS) offers a creative space for them to document their journey as a big brother or sister.
These tools can help foster a sense of inclusion and pride, making the adjustment period more enjoyable and meaningful for your child.
Feel free to explore these additional resources to complement your family’s experience!
Embracing the Journey
While the arrival of a new baby can bring challenges, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to teach children about love, patience, and family. With a little guidance and plenty of love, siblings can grow into their new roles and create a lifelong bond with their baby brother or sister.
Whether you’re a first-time parent navigating sibling dynamics or simply looking for ways to prepare your little one, remember that their feelings are all part of the journey.