Each child reacts differently to the arrival of a new member in the family.
- Depending on their age, various approaches can be adopted with your child to facilitate the transition linked to the arrival of a new family member.
- Around the second trimester, it is entirely possible to start informing your child about the baby’s arrival.
- Younger children, needing constant attention, may react with jealousy to the arrival of a little brother or sister.
The arrival of a little brother or sister can be a delicate time for a child, disrupting their role and family dynamics. Depending on their age, various approaches can be adopted to facilitate this transition.
Before 2 years: prepare for the arrival of the baby
Around the second trimester, it is entirely possible to start informing your child about the baby’s arrival. To do this, use simple and concrete words, adapted to their level of understanding. You can visually show him changes in the house, but also the growing belly and baby items.
Take the time to answer his questions in an age-appropriate manner, and above all assure him that your love for him will not change. You can involve him by giving him an essential role and a special relationship with the baby, for example through stories about the role of older brothers and sisters, the choice of the baby’s first name or clothes.
Between 1 and 3 years: manage jealousy and encourage participation
Younger children, needing constant attention, may react with jealousy to the arrival of a little brother or sister. It often manifests itself through strong and changing emotions or by regressing into more infantile behaviors.
To help him, encourage him to express his feelings and offer him appropriate ways to participate in the process, such as taking care of a baby doll. As parents, be attentive to signs of jealousy, but also to certain more subtle manifestations such as reappropriation of toys. You can emphasize the importance of his role, but without overloading him with responsibilities.
From 3 years old: new responsibilities
Some older children may respond to the arrival of a little brother or sister by expressing jealousy in a more discreet way, while others may be proud and interested in the baby’s care.
Avoid putting excessive pressure on your eldest in terms of responsibility, but make sure that he feels supported in his new role as big brother or big sister, without sacrificing his childhood. You can therefore encourage him during his positive behaviors, but also be attentive to signs of emotional distress.
Find out more: “I’m expecting a little brother or sister” by Catherine and Colline Faure-Poirée.
