How Help Your Firstborn Cope With The Addition To The Family!
Your Pregnancy|October/November 2021
Help your firstborn cope with the addition to the family.
Margot Bertelsmann
How Help Your Firstborn Cope With The Addition To The Family!

You’re pregnant again, and you're over the moon! But, your eldest isn’t showing as much enthusiasm as everyone else in your life. “Why is this?” you wonder, a little bit put out. “Why can’t my little sunbeam be as excited about the news as I am? Why rain on my parade?”

Imagine for a moment your partner came home bubbling over with excitement.

He’s just met The Most amazing woman! He’s so sure you’ll love her too, he’s asked her to move in with the two of you. Your reaction? Hell to the no, right? It’s the same for your little one. You can’t expect your 2-year-old to be excited by the arrival of someone they can only possibly see as a rival for your time, attention and even love.

So share your whooping squeals of joy with your girlfriends, by all means.

But when you’re with your green-eyed eldest, try these strategies both before and after New Baby’s arrival, instead.

ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS

A toddler might not understand when you tell her a new baby is coming. But say this anyway: “We’re getting a new baby. Our hearts are going to grow, so we will love you as much as the new baby. But you were here first!” Also, acknowledge that your child may not like it: “I’ll be busy with that new baby, and that can be hard.

But we’ll make special time to spend together, just the two of us, too.”

Your child is part of the family and has the right to be informed and to hear the news from you, not from others.

Once the baby’s here, continue to state your love for your eldest, and also verbalise it when you see him taking strain: “I see you’re feeling angry that I’m feeding the baby again.”

Esta historia es de la edición October/November 2021 de Your Pregnancy.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición October/November 2021 de Your Pregnancy.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE YOUR PREGNANCYVer todo
COVID & your child
Your Pregnancy

COVID & your child

Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.

time-read
7 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Your Pregnancy

EYES WIDE OPEN!

Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
Your Pregnancy

RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!

It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.

time-read
7 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
Prioritise REST!
Your Pregnancy

Prioritise REST!

The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
CRYING CLUES
Your Pregnancy

CRYING CLUES

Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
Your Pregnancy

Pushing isn't all you need to do!

There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Your Pregnancy

We're all NERVOUS about it!

Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your Pregnancy

FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS

Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
Your Pregnancy

Here's to HAPPIER beach days!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Your Pregnancy

TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!

Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2021/January 2022