If the arrival of a baby changes the life of a couple, it is the same for the other children of the family. Whatever their age, all children are directly affected by the arrival of a little brother or a little sister and our role, as parents, is that this transition takes place in the greatest harmony. To avoid fits of jealousy (quite
understandable!), the feeling of abandonment or regression to capture the attention of his parents, here are some tips to properly prepare your child for the arrival of baby:
If the majority of parents announce the happy event to those around them from the 3rd month of pregnancy, you must also choose the right moment to announce it to your child. Unfortunately, there is no ideal date! It generally depends on the age and maturity of your child or whether he is an only child or whether you already have several children who have already been there. In the case of an only child from 2 to 4 years old, start announcing it from the 4th month. Below 2 years, it is better to wait until the 6th month, when your belly will be well rounded:it will be able to better understand and visualize that a new little being will see the light of day. Choose a moment of tranquility to tell him and let him ask you his questions rather than anticipating his reactions by showering him with reassuring words.
The arrival of a baby involves some adjustments in the house and above all, some "small" purchases! If your future baby will have their own room, ask your eldest to help you set it up or decorate it. For example, he can make pretty drawings or give him toys or stuffed animals that he no longer uses. Not only will this make him feel like he's grown up ("I'm not a baby anymore"), but it's also a good opportunity for him to start tidying up his room like a grown-up! Also bring out the clothes he himself wore when he was a baby, explaining to him that he can now lend them to his future little brother or little sister.
We don't hide it from you, any pregnancy is quite tiring, especially if you got pregnant shortly after your first delivery. However, try to keep your little rituals with your little one and try not to disrupt his schedule too much. If you are very tired, you can absolutely sit with him on the sofa and let him cuddle you! Also ask your partner to take over as much as possible because you will certainly be more and more busy with the arrival of baby over the months. Your child will not feel abandoned and will become more independent.
Goodbye boredom and loneliness, make way for the tumult of siblings! Introduce baby as a future playmate to whom your child can learn everything he can do. By letting him project himself into the future, your eldest will quickly imagine all the games (and nonsense) they can do together. Explain to him, however, that a baby cannot interact before 6 months and that he will have to be patient before embarking on great adventures. Thanks to these few tips, the transition will be more serene and your child will quickly take their role as eldest to heart.
