A New Baby - Coping with Sibling Rivalry!

The new baby is finally here. Her sister has been waiting anxiously for her for months and she loves her so much, but,. . .

Oh no! Now Mommy has no time for me! I didn't know that Mommy would have to hold the baby ALL the time. Now Mommy can't jump in the car and go places with me, and I'm not even allowed to hold her yet! I have to be quiet when she's sleeping. And she gets all the presents!

If the above scenario applies to your child, know that the hardest part for her to deal with is her mixed emotions and feeling of guilt. She really does love her new sister, but she is also really jealous and resentful. These feelings must be addressed. Let her know that you understand her feelings and that all kids feel this way when a new baby comes into the house.

Any change is difficult, but after a while she will get used to it and things will settle down. Meanwhile, here are a few things you can do to help:

Make a puppet show - using two hand puppets (can even be animals) Have the characters express their feelings. One can be the sibling with the new baby, and the other can be his/her sympathetic friend.

Make your child a partner - have her help you with as many things as she is capable of doing: handing you diapers, singing a song to the baby, covering her with a blanket, etc.

Arrange play dates - having her own special friend come to visit helps

Grandparents can be life savers if they have time to take the older child on a special outing.

Clue in friends and relatives to bring a little present for big sister when coming to see the baby.

If possible, you or your husband should take an hour every day to spend with just the older child, away from baby.

Be sure to tell your child how lucky the baby is to have a big sister like her!

Do you have other ideas? Please share your experiences with us!