Have you just learned that you are going to be parents for the second time ? First of all, congratulations on this happy news!
For you, this will not be a completely unknown step since you already have a child. However, it will be a new experience for your only child who will obtain the title of big brother or big sister .
How can you ensure that the arrival of this little being does not negatively disrupt your eldest child's daily life? How can you make this stage pleasant and reassuring for everyone?
We have listed some actions to implement before and after the baby arrives.
Happy reading!
The big announcement
The first step is to share the news with your child. Talk to him about the baby's arrival as soon as you feel ready to share the news. Explain in a simple, age-appropriate way that he will soon have a little brother or sister. Answer his questions and make sure to give him enough time to absorb the information.
It can be difficult to find the right words to explain this event to a young child. Fortunately, there are great books that explain in a fun way what becoming a big brother or sister involves. Reading the book as a family is a great time to connect and answer any questions your child may have.
The preparation
Involve your child as much as possible, depending on their age, in the preparations.
He can help him choose clothes, prepare the baby's room or select suitable toys for him. Involving him will allow him to feel valued and invested in this process. These are also unique moments that will turn into wonderful memories.
Talk about the benefits of having a sibling.
Emphasize the positive aspects of having a sibling, such as having a playmate, sharing time together, and supporting each other. Explain that the baby's arrival will enrich their lives and they will be able to build a special relationship.
Maintain routines.
Try to maintain your child's daily routines as much as possible, even after the baby arrives. This will help him feel secure and will allow him to better cope with the changes happening around him.
Prepare your child for the changes to come.
Talk to your child about what to expect when the baby arrives. Explain that the baby will need lots of attention and care, but that you will continue to love and care for him or her as before. Show him or her pictures or videos of newborns to give him or her an idea of what a baby looks like.
The beginning of a new life
Baby number two has just arrived in your lives. New actions can now be taken to continue the smooth running of this experience.
You may have already been advised to give your oldest child a gift right after giving birth. Here are the benefits of doing so if you were thinking about doing so:
- Feeling of Value: Receiving a gift can help the only child feel special and valued , despite the extra attention given to the newborn. It reminds him that he is loved and that his presence is valuable to his parents.
- Alleviate jealousy: The arrival of a new baby can trigger feelings of jealousy in an only child, who may feel neglected or replaced. By giving a gift, parents seek to alleviate these feelings by showing the child that he or she is also valued and will not be forgotten.
- Positive distraction: Receiving a gift can be a positive distraction for the only child during the adjustment period to the arrival of the new baby. It gives him something new to explore and can help him focus on positive emotions rather than possible feelings of loss of attention.
Involve your child in baby care.
Once the baby is born, encourage your child to participate in the baby's care , to the extent that they are able and age appropriate. This can include simple actions such as helping to give the bottle, holding the baby gently, or singing a song to the baby.
Give individual attention.
Make a point of spending one-on-one time with your only child, even after the baby arrives. This can be as simple as reading a book together, playing a game, or going out for a special activity. This will show him that he is still special and loved despite the extra attention given to the baby.
Encourage the expression of emotions.
Recognize and validate your child's emotions . It's normal for them to feel jealous, angry, or insecure about the baby's arrival. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that you understand what they're going through. To learn how to spot signs of stress and anxiety in your child and to learn more about solutions, we invite you to read our recent article "Supporting your child in managing their emotions and stress."
Finally, be patient and attentive. Expect your only child to go through different emotional phases during this transition. Be understanding and willing to offer extra support if needed.
We hope that all this information can help you prepare your whole family for this new life.
We wish you a wonderful meeting!
