Preparing Your Child for the Sibling
When you are pregnant with your second child, then it is most important to prepare your first child in advance so that he can adjust with the newcomer in your family. Till now, your elder child has been habituated with the total attention from both of you. However, he is definitely going to miss this, once your second baby is born. Naturally you have to give most of your attention towards the newborn baby as he will need more care at this stage. But, your elder one might feel unsecured and unattended at this point of time, unless you make him understand about the situation clearly.
Initially, you may talk to him to inform him about the positive sides of having a brother or sister. Such as he is going to have a playmate or he can share his feelings with his younger one etc. This will grow his interest in having a brother or sister.
You may intentionally take your child to some friend or relative’s place, having multiple kids. By seeing those kids playing or enjoying together, your child might feel the absence of sibling and he himself might ask you to bring one for him.
Once he really wants to have a brother or sister, you may inform him about the real status, saying that a lovely, cuddly baby is growing inside your body. Ask him to keep his ears on the abdomen to listen to the movements of the unborn baby.
Involve him completely in the process of preparing for the second baby. Take him to the shops, when you buy things for your new addition. However, you should not forget to buy something for him.
Once the baby is born, you can give your elder one, certain minor responsibilities to take care of the newborn. You should praise him whenever he performs a job successfully.
Be extra cautious to take care of both the children simultaneously, so that your first child never ever feels neglected. If you take the newborn on your lap, then keep some space for him too. Try to spend your time with both the kids together, as much as possible.
Raising two young kids at a time is definitely difficult, especially for the first 1-2 years. However, this is the most significant time for growing the bonding between the siblings, which will last forever.
