You have just found out that you are pregnant. You can’t wait to share the news with your family, friends, and coworkers. However, telling your other kids may make you a little nervous. You are unsure of how they are going to react to having a new baby in the house.
Each child is going to react in a different way. Their age is going to influence this a lot. If you have a 12 year old, they are going to understand what pregnant means. However, explaining it to a 3 year old may be a little more difficult. You may have to explain that they are going to have a baby sister or brother.
How you decide to tell them is also important. If you spring the news on them and catch them off guard, they may be surprised and confused. You can choose to sit them down and tell them the news. However, this may seem too formal and scary to a child. You may consider making a game out of telling them. You could hide clues throughout the house and have a scavenger hunt. Getting their enthusiasm up is a great way to share the news.
Be prepared for a wide assortment of reactions. Your child is probably going to seem surprised at first. They then may be excited and happy to finally have a baby sister to play with.
Some kids may act distant and even sad about the news. They may fear that their life as they know it is about to change. They will no longer be the sole center of attention. Jealousy may begin to play a role here. If you neglect your oldest children during your pregnancy, you are going to start sibling rivalry and jealousy off immediately which will last throughout their entire childhood.
In order to prevent jealousy make sure that each of your children know their importance. Find time to spend with them individually. Perhaps a shopping day just for the girls or maybe dad can have a sports day with the boys. Let your child know that the baby is not going to get all of their attention and that you love each of them equally.
You may also want to be sure that they take an active part throughout your pregnancy and even afterward. If you show enthusiasm, chances are they will too. Take them with to a doctor’s appointment to hear the baby’s heartbeat. You may also want to take them with to an ultrasound. They will feel important and like an active participant. They will be excited to see and hear their new baby brother’s heartbeat.
After your baby is born, be sure to still show your other children that they are important. While still in the hospital, the new baby is going to be getting a lot of visitors and gifts. Some visitors may forget to pay much attention to your older children. Be sure to include them. You may also want to give them their own special gift. Perhaps you can give your daughter a special baby doll that she can name herself.
Including your children early on in the pregnancy will help lessen any fears or jealousy they may have. Make them excited for their new sibling. They will begin to look forward to the day when they can hold their baby sister or brother.
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