Toddler and New Baby Tips - 7 Ways to Beat Sibling Rivalry

Toddlerhood is a time of such intense change for any child. A new brother or sister is without a doubt the most challenging event for any toddler because children of this age are naturally self-centred.

Here are 7 ideas to help you help your tot adapt to their new role as older sibling.

You can minimise - but not eliminate - jealousy. Don't try to persuade your child (or yourself) that you can wipe out all feelings of resentment. Getting used to the new arrival is a natural part of learning to share and co-operate - in short, growing up.

Before the birth introduce the idea of the baby - subtly. There is a limit to how much - if anything - your child will understand about the changes ahead. Bring the topic up in conversation, but observe any apparent lack of interest and back off if necessary.

New baby stories can be very helpful in bringing up potential worries that may be bothering your toddler. They also suggest problems that could occur, such as the baby crying at night.

Think about how you want the first meeting between the new siblings to go. If you are having the baby in hospital, who do you want to be there? When should it happen? Be flexible - you may be too exhausted/hormonal to see your toddler on the day of the birth. There is nothing wrong with waiting until the next day if it helps you gather your emotional strength.

In the early days after the birth, inviting friends with other toddlers over can make life easier. Your child's playmates will have a limited interest in newborns. However little it might appear that the toddlers are interacting, at least it takes your eldest out of the emotional parent-toddler-newborn triangle.

When you can manage it take the kids out. Toddler and baby group, friends' houses, soft play areas, the park: getting away from your living room will lift your spirits when the children get demanding. The exercise will reduce your stress levels and seeing other people will take you out of yourself.

You are likely to lose your temper. Who wouldn't, faced with the vastly different needs of your 2 youngsters and being sleep deprived? Accept this fact, and when you shout at your toddler, do this: stop, apologise, give her a cuddle, praise and distract her. The first few months of life with your toddler and new baby can be tough, but young children are enormously adaptable and the lifelong rewards and companionship of having a sibling far outweigh these early difficulties. 

Article by Harriet Morris
If you found these tips useful, visit http://www.toddler-ideas.com/toddler-and-new-baby.html for more proven strategies for dealing with sibling rivalry. Harriet Morris edits www.toddler-ideas.com which is full of resources and inspiration for parenting young children.

Posted in: Baby Care,Toddler Taming