Lil Tip: When Baby Makes Four

November 12, 2007

We've all heard the horror stories about sibling rivalry — a big brother or sister wishing their new little sibling would disappear.

Whether your older child is having a hard time adjusting or unhappy about having to share the limelight, get them excited about the impending birth by posting a "countdown to delivery" calendar.

And, purchase and wrap a present that the baby can give the older child when they meet at the hospital.

9 Comments

bugness 5 years 27 weeks

I always liked the idea of having the older sibling help you plan a one-month celebration party rather than a one month birthday for your new baby. I mean, yes, your youngest is a month old, but your older one has been a big brother/sister for a month too! I do think it's important that the older one gets attention around the time of the birth too, but once all the fuss of delivery and OMGNEWBABY! dies down from the grandmas and aunts and uncles, your older one is going to start really feeling the emotions over their younger sibling being in the spotlight.

lickety split 5 years 27 weeks

lol tox! oh mikey is funny :ROTFL: who knows, maybe mine was just glad to have another shot at a sister relationship, you know? there wasn't any reaction from jenna with #3 until about a year later when she started beating the crap out of her :( a couple of weeks ago my dh asked our #3 if she would like a little brother or sister and she immediately said "NO! but a pony would be good". sibling love, nothing like it :)

t0xxic 5 years 27 weeks

Val your so lucky! Mikey looked at me holding the baby gave me a dirty look and said Grandma Lets go home.

t0xxic 5 years 27 weeks

A gift did no good hear. An now that baby is mobile the sibling rivalry is at a high. Spoiled 3 yo's and a curious 10 month old do not work!!! I am going out of my mind with dont do that brother.

lickety split 5 years 27 weeks

my favorite parenting memory is my #2 daughter (10 days shy of 2) coming to meet her younger sister. the look of awe and love on her face when she was holding her sister and she looked up at me like "wow!" always remember that :cry:

ReverendZelda 5 years 27 weeks

I was 5 when my sister was born and I got to help pick out her name. They actually went with my suggestion! Getting the elder children involved definitely helps.

ylatan 5 years 27 weeks

i had a homebirth with my son and my daughter was there for it. i think it definitely helped that she was one of the first people to hold him and was there for the whole thing.

matthews mom 5 years 27 weeks

Can't wait to add a 4th!

fragiletearz 5 years 27 weeks

Having a younger sibling has definitely been a challenge four my 3 y.o. But she has adjusted and loves her little brother. People gave her more presents at the hospital than they gave my newborn, because they wanted to make it easy for her. It's hard but you have to give them time.

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