Supporting Siblings During the Postpartum Period: Strategies for a Smooth Transition
It can be difficult for some children to accept new siblings. Regression in older siblings or even a spark of sibling rivalry isn’t uncommon during this time. It’s important that everyone’s feelings are acknowledged and space is left for them to process through those feelings. Here are some strategies for helping make that adjustment a bit smoother:
1. Spend Some 1:1 Time with Them
Find intentional time for bonding with your older child. This will remind them that just because there’s a new baby in the house, it doesn’t make them any less special to you. This is a great time to assess their feelings about the new baby and give them plenty of time to express themselves. Give all the children time to bask in the oxytocin that the new baby has brought along!
2. Include Them As Much As Possible
Picking out an outfit for baby? What a perfect time to ask the older kid(s) to chime in on the outfit or even just the color. Spending time reading to baby? Great, ask your other little ones if they’d like to read along or even put on a small (hopefully, quiet-ish) sock puppet play for baby. For the time that baby is awake, catching their attention isn’t too hard so get creative!
3. Don’t Force It
Some kids needs a little more time than others to come around to the fact that there is a new addition to the family. If they aren’t super interested in the baby, try to give them time to come around on their own.
4. Be Realistic
Yes, babies are great but we can all agree that babies are a lot of work. Make sure you’re being realistic when talking to older children about what it will be like when baby comes home. Babies will eat and sleep most of the time, but there’s also a chance that they will cry a good bit. Remind toddler aged children that baby won’t be able to play right away. It may even be helpful to visit friends and families who also have older children and very young babies to give your kid(s) an idea of what life will be like.
