Читать книгу Sister Lilian’s Pregnancy & Birth Companion - Lilian Paramor - Страница 28

It is a good idea to start preparing a toddler for the arrival of a new baby as soon as pregnancy is obvious. It might not be a concept they can grasp fully and nine months is a long time for them to wait for the ‘playmate’ they have been promised. In the early stages, they are more likely just to have a sense that something is different and may not understand that a baby brother or sister is on the way. Look at pictures of babies, point out animals and their young, page through books that show pictures of moms and babies.

Let your toddler feel when Baby starts kicking, show her your tummy and tell your first child that Baby is getting bigger and in a while will be big enough to come out. Repeat this over the next few months. A toddler takes a while to grasp this complicated event. Towards the end of your pregnancy, tell your toddler that you will be in the hospital for a few days. Explain who will do the looking after. If it’s going to be Dad, now is a good time to let them have time alone together so that your toddler gets used to the idea. If you have friends with a baby, take your child to visit or baby-sit for an hour. Talk about what will happen when Baby arrives home. Parents often make the mistake of telling toddlers that they are getting a brother or sister to play with. The disappointment is great when Baby arrives home and all he does is sleep, cry or just lie there.

Bringing a new sibling home is one of the biggest stressors in the life of a child. Try to make sure that there are no other big adjustments at this time. When Baby is born, make sure Baby gives your toddler a gift. When you arrive home, let someone else take Baby for a while and concentrate on your toddler. Your toddler may be a little subdued to start with and annoyed that you have not been at home, but be patient. Try to involve your older child with Baby if the desire is there. Your toddler may ask to hold or touch Baby. Encourage this with close supervision. On the other hand, there may be a lack of interest for a while. If so, don’t push it. Time is needed to take all this in.

Try to set aside uninterrupted, special time alone with your toddler when Baby is sleeping or when someone else is looking after the new baby. This helps to reassure your ‘big baby’ that she is still as important to you as ever. Be prepared for the possibility that there may be some regression or jealousy towards the new baby.

The whole family has adjustments to make with a new baby’s arrival. If this time is handled with plenty of patience and reassurance, you will all do well.