When baby makes four!

When baby #2 comes home, the older sibling might feel left out, sad and lonely.  Be sure to include your older child in the preparations for the new sibling and the care after the baby's birth by giving them specific assignment and jobs that are just for them. Make a fun chore chart with your older child and talk about the special jobs that only they can do!

Baby #2 may make you feel like you need an extra hand and that little hand covered in finger paint may be just the help you need.  Here are some ideas for involving your "helper":

• Often the older sibling is best at connecting with the baby and making them laugh.  A three year old sibling could sing and dance to entertain their sibling   Try having them tell their favorite story or recite nursery rhymes, their little voices will introduce them to music and start teaching  your baby about  rhythm and rhyme.
• Find jobs that are appropriate to the older sibling's age and ability.  Keep their tasks manageable and positives.  When my youngest daughter was born, her older sister was our diaper patrol.  We filled three little baskets with diapers, wipes, lotion and diaper ointment and set them by the couch, my bed and in the playroom.  My daughter's job was to keep the baskets stocked and she took it very seriously and did a terrific job. 
• Another toddler size job that my little ones enjoyed was pushing the wet clothes into the dryer.  I could unload the washer with one hand and put the wet things on the door of the dryer.  She would push everything into the dryer and close the door. 
• Reward independent play in your older child.  The idea is not to get the child to disappear or be out of sight but to help them learn to be patient when your hands are full or to be able to amuse themselves without someone else directing play. One of the sweetest things you might be able to observe is your child caring for his babies or stuffed animals following your example of caring for their new little sibling. Recognize, encourage and reward this wonderful behavior!
• Enlist your child is creating a welcome baby! banner to hang over their new sibling's bed.  Another fun art project is to get your child to draw a picture and their new family, upload or scan the art work onto a 5x7 inch card and use this unique stationary for thank you notes for new baby gifts. 

Helping your older child see their potential as a big brother or big sister is an essential to making a successful transition to your family of four! Love, Katie