New Baby and Sibling Rivalry
It’s hard to balance enough love and attention for all when baby first comes home. It’s important to help ease the transition for older children and let them know you still love them.
It’s common for some kids to regress, especially if you just finished potty training or bottle feeding. Some will even vocalize their wish to be a baby again, which is understandable if the baby appears to be receiving all the attention.
It’s better to switch from crib to bed long before your baby is born so that they connect it with the fact that they’re growing up rather than they have to make room for a new baby.
Blaming Baby
Don’t blame the baby for everything even if that is what’s stopping you from going to the store or the playground. You don’t want your child looking at your baby as an obstacle.
Helping With Baby
Some children enjoy helping and it makes them feel useful and grown up but don’t overdo this since they still need their own time. A simple task like getting a diaper will get old if you’re asking them to get it every time.
Enhance the positive
Remind your son or daughter of all the things they can do that the baby can’t and reassure them how proud you are of them for growing up, learning their ABCs, feeding themselves, coloring in the lines etc.
- I have noticed that when we’re busy with another child, that’s when someone decides to draw a mural on the wall or does something weird with the cat litter.
Sometimes one is going to get more attention than the other and you can’t always have eyes in the back of your head. Ideally you will have a spouse, friend or relative to help pick up the slack for the first few weeks.
Seek Support
You might not feel like getting out but it is helpful to interact with other parents. They can give you support and ideas on how they manage. Many churches offer parent groups at least once a week and they’re often free.
- For online support, resources and advice see Parenting.Org, Keep Kids Healthy, Practical Parenting Advice, and Family Fun.com.
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