Sibling involvement?

Question

My husband and I each have a son, one is 16 and one is 8, and we are due in 9 weeks with our first child together (another boy!). How can we make sure our two older boys still feel loved, appreciated and like they want to be involved? Any ideas shared are appreciated!!

Answer

Talk to them! Especially your older son. I was 16 when my first sibling was born, then 18 with the 2nd. Both girls. I love them to pieces! It's definitely an adjustment since babies and small small kids require a different kind of attention than older kids. Just talk to them and find out what would work for them. And if you're unavailable, have dad take them to do something they want to do once a week, or every once in a while. Movie, sports game, whatever they're feelin. And let them help whenever they ask, that will let them feel involved! I went to the pediatrician with my mom a couple times, and that was interesting. I'd say invite them when you go do stuff like this... They may be into the baby and want to go at first! Communicate communicate communicate!

Answer

Have them help out with the baby! Just little things. Plus, make sure you still have one on one time with them both. I was 10 when my little sister was born (then they had two more after lol) and my stepmom would let me hold her, help bottle feed her, change her clothes, cuddle with her, change her and it really helped me feel involved. It will help the sibling bond as well! My sister's and me are extremely close now (one of them even developed separation anxiety when away from me, thankfully she's outgrown that now tho) and they're so excited for their nephew and kiss and hug my belly every chance they get. 💕

Answer

From observation of moms of multiple kids: just make sure quality one-on-one time with the older kids remains a priority. Obviously the baby will require a lot from you, but you should still be setting aside some time where the older kids are the primary focus.

Sibling involvement?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey