Contents:
- Medical Video: The Jealous Little Sister!
- Facing a child who is jealous of a new sister
- 1. Listen to his feelings
- 2. Understand that he is only trying to get your attention
- 3. Involve children in preparation to welcome the baby
- 4. Let your child know that your love for him has not changed
- 5. Maintain a routine
- 6. Invite children to help care for their younger siblings
- 7. Tell guests who are visiting
Medical Video: The Jealous Little Sister!
Children who are jealous of their newborn baby's sister are common things. Your toddler will experience various types of emotions when he has a new sibling. He may feel jealous or anxious about the presence of his new sister. But he may also feel excitement, love, and pride. How can parents deal with children's jealousy and make them accept their baby sister warmly?
Facing a child who is jealous of a new sister
1. Listen to his feelings
Try to make your child express all his emotions, good and bad, by encouraging him to talk about his feelings. This will encourage children to tell you how they feel, rather than just giving signals through physical actions such as hitting, pinching, or pushing the baby sister.
If your toddler hits his sister, explain that this cannot be tolerated. Tell him calmly and gently that hitting is not allowed. You can advise your child to show his feelings by showing a sullen face or an angry expression, or you can both shout their feelings together.
READ ALSO: Preparing the Eldest to Have a Sister
2. Understand that he is only trying to get your attention
Some toddlers try to get their parents' attention by behaving like babies. If your toddler starts behaving strangely to get attention, try to be patient with his attitude. Children may only need a little extra attention from you for a while. With your help, he will soon be back to being himself. Make sure your child understands that it's okay for him to feel such things.
3. Involve children in preparation to welcome the baby
Before the baby is born, give him permission to feel jealous, and let him know that the other brother also feels the same when his new sister is present. You might be able to find children's books about babies, and read them together.
You can also let the child be involved in preparing to welcome his new sister. He can help make simple decisions, such as whether the baby's bed sheets should be yellow or red.
READ ALSO: 7 Ways to Make a Home a Safe Place for Children
4. Let your child know that your love for him has not changed
After your baby is born, remind your toddler that your love for him is still the same. Let him know that he is still as special as before. If she starts acting up by saying that she hates her sister, or by pinching the baby sister, understand that this means the older sister needs more time with you.
5. Maintain a routine
With the presence of new children, your routine will certainly change. But try your sister's routine is not too disturbed. Stay in the habit of having a routine like having breakfast together, watching your favorite television program every afternoon, and reading the stories at the same hour before going to bed, to help your child adjust. Also avoid major changes at this time, such as moving house or school.
6. Invite children to help care for their younger siblings
Try to involve children with baby care. For example, you can let her choose sleepwear for her sister, or choose what her sister will wear today. You can also ask him to tell you when he thinks his baby sister needs something (when the baby cries).
7. Tell guests who are visiting
Tell friends and family to be sensitive to your toddler's needs. Ask them to spend time with your sister, and not just focus on your new baby.
READ ALSO: Saying "No" to Children, Good or Bad?
