Tips for preparing your first child for a new baby

A young child often finds himself unwelcome when a new baby arrives in the house. This is a natural feeling, given the fear of attracting attention and intense attention. Therefore, it's important to prepare him and talk to him at length about the expected baby. These steps should not be neglected, as they may develop feelings of resentment and anger that could lead to harming the newborn. Read the following practical tips:

1- Encourage him to help you buy the baby's supplies and arrange the room, while always reminding him that he will love the expected baby and that he is the oldest child. Don't neglect hugs, kisses, and words of encouragement.

2- Buy him some matching outfits to make him feel excited and that his brother won't take his place.

3- Choose a new valuable toy and tell him on your birthday that the newborn brought him this special gift to tell him how much he loves him.

4- Teach him ways to show love and feelings, such as gently patting your belly to let the fetus know that he loves him, and imagining a conversation with him.

5- Strengthen your relationship with your husband so that he does not feel completely preoccupied with you after your brother arrives, and they can do a number of activities together.

6- Do not exaggerate in talking about the expected baby in front of your little one, such as mentioning purchases and many details.

7- Tell him about his role and his help in taking care of his brother to the extent of his understanding.

8- Don't make any major changes in your child's life at the same time as your birth, so that he doesn't associate these changes with the arrival of the baby. However, start any major changes well before your birth, such as sending him to the nursery or changing the decor of his bedroom to welcome the baby.

9- Don't change the arrangement of his toys or clothes to make room for the baby's belongings, but try to separate the clothes and supplies to ensure that the newborn doesn't take his place.

10- Tell him stories about what the house will be like after giving birth and try to spend time with him, even if it is for a short time every day.

11- Finally, you must understand any outbursts of anger or feelings of jealousy that appear on your child. The most important thing is to contain the situation, appreciate his feelings of fear and anxiety, and deal with them intelligently without trying to bury them or burden him beyond his capacity, such as phrases such as: Stop these actions, you are the big brother now! This is because any new behaviors he exhibits are messages that the child is trying to convey to his parents.