Introducing a New Brother or Sister

Preschoolers and kindergartners feel a variety of confusing emotions when they discover a new brother or sister is joining the family. Preparing your child is important. Kids should know as early as possible that a new family member is on the way. Don't let your hear the news from someone other than you.

New Sibling: How to Share the News

Let your child know that a new baby is coming and when. Young children may not be able to understand length of time, so it may be easier to help them plan for a new sibling by using an event they can associate with time. For instance, instead of saying the new baby is due in eight months, explain that the new baby will arrive "after Thanksgiving." This way, your child can mark off the days on a calendar and have a visual reminder and representation of the due date.

Sibling Details

Avoid explaining pregnancy or adoption using the stork or some other myth. Your child will be naturally curious, especially if you are pregnant. As your body changes, let your child know that the baby is in your belly. That's really what kids are looking for; not a complicated explanation or an overly simplified one. Kids tend to take things very literally, so don't overwhelm him with the technical aspects of pregnancy.

Preparing Preschoolers and Kindergarteners for a New Baby

Your child is going to go through more ups and downs than you will during the nine months you're waiting for the new baby. Ask him to help you prepare for his new brother or sister by soliciting his advice on wall colors, bedding choices, and other big decisions. You can even have him pick out some special toys for the new baby. If you're reading books and doing research, share what you've learned with your child. Remind him that he was once a new baby too, and you were just as excited to meet him as you are to meet the new addition. Nothing can aggravate a preschooler or kindergartner more than a new sibling that gets all the good stuff. Consider making a few redecorating changes to your child's room as you decorate for the baby. He may like to have a new bed set or curtains as well.

The Arrival of a New Baby: Preparing your Child

Make sure that your child is one of the first to visit with the new baby. Kids can become frustrated if they are left out of the celebration. As an important family member, your child should be among the first to welcome the new arrival. Also, encourage him to pick out a gift for the new baby. Others will be showering the new baby with presents; your child will want to be included in the fun. And, make sure that he has his own distractions. When he's tired of participating in the fuss, he'll need a stash of coloring books, crayons, and small toys to occupy him.