Health Tip: Help Your Child Prepare for a Sibling

Suggestions to ease the transition

(HealthDay News) -- It's common for children to feel jealous of a new sibling, including acting out and misbehaving.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for easing your child's transition to being an older sibling:

  • Let your child help choose items for the new baby's bedroom, or a special gift to share with the baby.
  • Spend some quality alone time with the elder child.
  • Read books, role-play and talk about what it's like with a new baby in the house.
  • Play up your child's new role as the "big" brother or sister.
  • Take your child with you to either an ultrasound appointment or to visit the new baby at the hospital.
  • Keep your child as involved as possible in preparing for the new baby.
Diana Kohnle

Related Articles

Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.

Health News is provided as a service to Sharp Web site users by HealthDay. Sharp HealthCare nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please read the Terms of Use for more information.