Preparing a toddler for a new baby
Preparing a toddler for a new baby
My toddler isn’t happy about the arrival of our second child. How do I prepare my child for the birth a new baby?
This is a big change in a child's life especially if he or she has been the only child so it is normal for some children to be anxious.
Create this experience into a positive and exciting time. Have conversations about babies, visit friends with babies, read stories about babies and talk about how your family is growing.
Reflect on what your toddler was like as a baby and some of the things that happened. Include your child in preparations and give them some ideas about how they can be involved in caring for the new baby.
Ensure you prepare your child if you have a hospital stay after having the baby. Have a 'significant other' care for your child and ensure the routine is kept the same.
When the baby comes home ensure you also spend quality time with your toddler in the adjustment period. They may also like to look after their own baby doll. Provide resources such as a small cradle, baby nappies, bottles etc. Role playing helps young children make sense of the world.
Other questions about this topic
Is time-out okay for kids?
I’ve always understood that time-out was a reasonable way to deal with behaviour issues. Now I’m seeing some articles suggesting that time-out has had its day. Is time-out OK and if not, what’s the alternative?
Learning to follow directions
I have a 3.5-year-old who won’t listen to anything. We both just end up getting upset. I'm concerned that she will face problems in preschool if she won’t start following directions.
Help! My child is biting other children
I’m so embarrassed but my child care provider called me in to say my two-year-old has been biting other children. I hate to think what the other parents must be thinking. What do I do?
4-yr-old throwing tantrums
I have a four year old daughter, and the tantrums are worse now than they were in the ‘terrible twos’. She seems to fluctuate from happiness to meltdown so quickly and sometimes it seems that no amount of effort from us helps. Is this normal? I thought she’d be growing out of this by now.
Dealing with competitive children
I have two children who for the most part adore each other and play really well, but get painfully competitive over time spent with me. It’s great to feel loved but the competitiveness is exhausting to deal with and often spoils nice moments. Is there a way to work around this?