The lives of most children or teens involve routine, structure and established inter-family dynamics and relationships including their relationship with you and the time they’re used to having with you. However, when a new baby comes home, both mother and baby (and of course dad!) have very important and specific needs, and as a result your children and teens may react with excitement, happiness, nervousness, jealousy or even anger. So how do you help them adjust to life with a new baby in the house?
The best way is to involve your children with their new sibling right from the start, which will help them to adjust more quickly. Talk to them about how they want to be involved with the baby, but make sure you are still able to spend one-on-one time with your older kids to maintain the strength of your relationship.
COMMON SIBLING FEELINGS TOWARDS A NEW BABY
School-age children will typically have strong feelings about the new family structure which might include:
Being initially happy and excited about having a tiny baby to help care for, but are soon disappointed because the reality of a newborn is different from their idea of what it would be like
Jealous because literally overnight, your main priority is the new baby and your child or children will suddenly feel they have to share or compete for your attention
Irritated and resentful because the new baby cries a lot, disrupts their sleep, creates extra chores, or means they have to wait for your help or attention
Excluded or not as important to you, if you can’t give them as much attention as they’re used to getting from you
Embarrassed - especially if they’re teenagers and the only ones among their friends with a newborn sibling
Bu hikaye Mother, Baby & Child dergisinin December 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Mother, Baby & Child dergisinin December 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE FROM ETHNICRAFT
Check out the Belgian brand that's elevating homes in the region with a great ethos of sustainable luxury.
SETTING UP A GREAT HOME OFFICE
Working from home is on the rise, particularly among parents of younger children. How can you make that arrangement work for you?
A SPECIAL SEASONAL STAYCATION!
As the holidays draw near, Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah has plenty to offer families looking for an extra special festive season.
A TROPICAL CELEBRATION IN MAURITIUS
For something different this Christmas, here are two incredible tropical resorts that your family will love.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHERS
We look at some tips and strategies to help you communicate effectively and confidently with your child’s teachers.
LEARNING TEAMWORK THROUGH OUTDOOR PLAY
This month, the educators at Dibber International Nurseries discuss why playtime outdoors is essential for teaching teamwork to young learners.
UNDERSTANDING MOODY TEENAGERS
Puberty goes hand in hand with mood swings. As a parent, what can you do to help?
FESTIVE FUN FOR FAMILIES
The festive season is a time of joy, togetherness and celebration - the perfect opportunity to try some new activities together as a family.
THE POWER OF SAYING "LET'S TRY..."
Having the right words on hand is a huge part of parenting. This is a phrase that helps everyone feel like they're on the same side.
STRATEGIES FOR DINING OUT WITH YOUNG KIDS
Eating out can be tricky when you have younger children. Here are five things that may help!
