* Make a photo album of the older
child. If possible, find pictures of parents doing
some of the same
things with the older child that they are now doing for the baby.
* Spend time with the older child
while the baby is awake. By doing this, parents are
showing the child
they can have fun while the baby is present rather than absent.
* Provide each child a place for
his own personal possessions such as toys, books, and
clothing.
Consider placing a hook at an appropriate level for a child to hang up
his
coat.
* Allow older children to help
care for the new baby. This will help them realize their
importance to the
family unit. Remember to give lots of positive reinforcement for
being a good helper.
* As friends visit and bring gifts
to the new baby, consider giving the older child a treat
or surprise.
Perhaps several small, inexpensive gifts could be stockpiled for that
purpose.
* Allow each child to be "number
one" in some way each day. This can be done by
spending a few special
moments alone with each one.
* Emphasize the advantages of
being older by allowing the older sibling to stay up a
little later than
baby.
* Provide out-of-home experiences
for the older child like a trip to the park or a walk
around the block.
* Give either your son or daughter
a baby doll so that they may imitate your behavior
by pretending to
care for the doll. Perhaps some of their jealous outbursts may be
on
the doll rather
than the real baby.
* Children do not naturally know
how to get along with siblings. As parents, it is our
responsibility
to teach them by example and expectation. Carefully observe
children and
when things are going well heap on the praise.
Revised Edition Copyright 1989, Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education