| ou First Child Be Involved | | | | he understands that the reason mother's body is |
| Include your child in the new baby's arrival from the | | | | changing is because of the baby. |
| very beginning. Tell him or her that they are about to | | | | Make Him Feel Special and Important |
| become a big brother or sister. Be sure to express | | | | Any young child is bound to feel a bit jealous when |
| to your child how important his role in the family will | | | | they see all the new things that the baby is getting |
| be and the benefits that this will have. Assure your | | | | like cool baby clothes from showers. This is |
| child that you will love him just as much as always | | | | completely normal. There are things you can do to |
| and that the new baby will be someone else who will | | | | help manage these bad feelings. Having a completely |
| love him too. Let him know that he will be receiving | | | | separate big brother or sister party where you |
| more love not less. Perhaps get his input on things | | | | suggest that your friends bring a small toy for your |
| regarding the new baby. Even a two year old will | | | | older child can combat this feeling. A few small gifts |
| appreciate being included and helping in the decision | | | | given simply because he now has a new role in the |
| making process. For example take him shopping with | | | | family will make your child look forward to the role |
| you to buy a cool baby gift, let him choose between | | | | he will be having from now on. |
| two choices which he thinks his new brother or sister | | | | Show You Child the Hospital Nursery |
| will like the best. | | | | If at all possible arrange with the hospital staff to |
| Let him help prepare the nursery | | | | take your child on a tour of the delivery room and |
| Even if that help is confined to putting small objects | | | | nursery. Expressing that this will be where your new |
| on a low shelf, let him help. This kind of interaction | | | | brother or sister will stay until arriving home. Let your |
| early on where your child feels like he or she is a part | | | | first born feel important by telling him or her that you |
| of everything is crucial to long term success. Allow | | | | need their help keeping dad company until you return, |
| your child to choose a unique toy to give to his new | | | | so that they are feeling helpful. If you want your first |
| brother or sister. You might also choose a small toy | | | | born to really accept the new babies arrival then give |
| for your older child that will be from the new baby to | | | | your first born a little talk that everything is going to |
| present when the baby comes home. As your | | | | be just fine. Continuing to include them once the |
| pregnancy progresses allow him to feel the baby | | | | baby is born will make for an easier adjustment for |
| move, answer his questions and read him books so | | | | both you and your first born. |