Health Tip: Dealing With Sibling Rivalry

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Adjusting from being an only child to being a big brother or big sister may be a difficult transition.

It is best to talk openly with your child so he or she knows what to expect when the newborn arrives.

The Nemours Foundation suggests:

• Let the older child help decorate the new baby’s room.
• Allow the older child to pick out a special gift for the new baby. Buy a gift for the older child, too, to recognize the child’s role as an older sibling.
• Reserve one-on-one time with the older child.
• Read books that will help the older child understand the changes to your family.
• Talk about what to expect when the baby comes home from the hospital.
• Establish the older child’s role as the “big brother/sister.” Make this new role seem exciting.
• Let the older child help take care of the baby, such as by grabbing a diaper or burp cloth when you need one.

Source: HealthDay

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