How to Help Your Child Cope With the Coming of a New Baby

The coming of a new baby in the family is great newssentiments about the baby and address this the
to everyone especially for parents. Everyone getssoonest possible time. Explain to the child that your
excited and prepares for the latest addition in thelove for her does not change even with the coming of
family. The grandparents start to buy baby clothes,your new baby. Let her know that her baby brother or
aunts and uncles give surprisingly cute presents for thesister can be her friend and needs her care too.
little one, daddy gets the playroom ready, and mommy-Continue your routine and play time with her.
takes extra care of herself. All the acts are directed toAs much as possible, keep playing with your child.
the coming baby and the first-born child often feelsSpend quality time together. When the child sees that
neglected. This is the usual scenario when a new babythe amount of time you spend with her does not
is due to arrive. All the attention goes to the otherchange, she will feel secure.
unborn member and the eldest child feels forgotten.-Tell stories about your experience with being pregnant
The child begins to have self-pity and thinks that she iswith her.
unwanted. The child senses that somebody will soonChildren love to hear stories. Tell her how excited you
replace her and she will no longer be the favorite in thewere waiting for her to come out and how everyone
family.was happy to see her. When your unborn child moves
In order to get back the attention lost, the child createsinside you, let her feel it and explain to her that she
unusual behavior that will catch the attention of thewas also like that when she was still inside your womb.
adults around her. She begins to whine about almost all-Involve her.
little things, misbehave in school and be mean toLet her take part in choosing the color of the playroom,
younger children.decorating the crib, buying clothes and even during the
Parents should deal with the feelings of the child aboutprenatal check- ups. This will help the child feel
the new baby coming. Otherwise, the child will end upimportant. Later on, when the baby is out, you can also
hating her baby brother or sister and this will be moreinvolve her in taking care of the baby. This will give her
difficult to handle. Here are some tips that will help youra sense of responsibility.
child cope up with the situation.As parents, understand your child. This is not an easy
-Talk and explain.stage for her. With your help and advice, she will soon
Parents have to present the situation to the child in asurpass this phase in her life.
way that she understands. Let the child voice out her