Health Tip: Help Your Child Adjust to a Sibling

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The arrival of a new brother or sister can be difficult for the older child, but there are ways parents can help ease the transition.

The University of Michigan Health System recommends:

• Spend time every day, even just a few minutes, alone with the older child. Let the older child choose the activity.
• Take time to listen to your child’s feelings about the new baby and acknowledge them. Never ignore or belittle what the child tells you.
• Make sure the older child knows to never hurt the baby. Offer other ways to express anger or frustration.
• If the older child wants to be babied, indulge that.
• Have a few small gifts tucked away to give to your older child when people bring gifts for the baby.
• Gently remind visitors not to forget about your older child.
• Give your older child some toys and a place that doesn’t need to be shared.
• Let the older child help care for the baby.
• Talk about all the good things that come along with being the older sibling.

Source: HealthDay

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