Sibling Relationships

Fostering Good Sibling Relationships

When a new baby arrives, many times parents are overwhelmed with simply taking care of that infant's needs. The older child or children may become jealous and full of resentment towards the new baby. Parents can do a lot to alleviate the insecurities and fears that an older sibling might have.

1. Prepare your older child before the new baby arrives.
2. Once the new baby is born, be sure you spend quality, individual time with your older child.
3. Let your older child help you take care of the new baby. It should be his choice, however, and you shouldn't force him to do things for the baby. That would only breed more resentment!

Teaching Respect

As your new baby becomes more mobile, he won't understand there are boundaries and limits to what he is allowed to do. Your older child may become upset when baby crawls into his room and plays or destroys his belongings. It is now time for you to begin teaching your baby to respect others' belongings. When he is less than a year old, this will be difficult to do, but eventually he'll catch on. If you anticipate some problems before they occur you may be able to do something about them.

1. Place a baby gate across a hallway or doorway to keep baby out of certain areas in the house that you want off limits.
2. Most of the time, babies want to be where others are, so he may not bother empty rooms. Still, it might be a good idea to close your older child's door to eliminate temptation.
3. Don't automatically give outgrown toys to the baby that belong to your older child. Show that you respect his privacy and his possessions by asking him if he'd like to let his younger sibling borrow or have those toys. If he tells you no, don't force the issue, but look for opportunities to point out what a wonderful thing he'd be doing by donating some of them to the baby.
4. Let your older child find appropriate toys and games to play with the baby. Point out that she can teach her younger brother or sister how to do things.
5. Once baby becomes more mobile, you may need to distract her from grabbing her older brother or sister's things. Babies are easily distracted, so pull out some of her toys that she hasn't played with in a while.
6. Begin teaching her the meaning of the word "no". Be firm when you say it, and move her away from the item she isn't suppose to be playing with.

Help Designate Roles in the Family

Older siblings have plenty of opportunities to be good role models for younger ones. Encourage your child to be a mentor for his younger sibling.

1. Point out all of his wonderful talents and abilities.
2. Ask him to help his younger sibling learn how to master new skills.
3. Teach him to be patient with his baby brother or sister.
4. Laugh together with him when the baby just can't seem to get it. Your older child will feel even more grown up when he can commiserate with you.

Chances are your baby will worship his or her older sibling and want to do everything he or she does. Continue to foster sibling relationships in as many ways as possible. As your children grow and mature, their relationship will change in many ways, and you'll enjoy watching them bond through the years.

Other Sibling Related Info

• Sibling Birth Announcements
• Sibling Rivalry
• Baby First Birthday Party
• Toddler Toys
• Toddler Discipline
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Twelve to Twenty-four Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Twenty-four to Thirty-six Months