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Preparing Big Brothers and Big Sisters for the New Baby The arrival of a new baby can bring many changes to a family. Parents spend a lot of energy on preparations, and after the baby arrives, much of the family's attention involves meeting the newborn's basic needs. All of this attention and change can be hard for older siblings to handle. But there are some things parents can do to prepare kids for an addition to the family. “Discussing the pregnancy in terms that make sense to children and including them in the preparation and, ultimately, the care of the newborn can make things easier for everyone,” explains Susan Weinstein, R.N., Director of Women’s Health and Parent Education at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Ms. Weinstein also suggests parents do fun things with their children in advance of the new baby’s arrival, including:
To help with the transition, The Women’s Health/Parent Education at Saint Barnabas offers a fun and informative Siblings Class designed for the whole family. The class offers help in reducing children’s anxieties when separating with their mothers at the time of delivery. Instructors also discuss what a newborn baby is like, how much care a baby will need and ways that older siblings can help. As part of the class, kids practice diapering and holding a doll that they get to take home. They also make a gift for their new little brother or sister. “The goal of the siblings class it to promote a good feeling about the hospital and provides children with realistic expectations of newborn babies,” Ms. Weinstein explains. She recommends families, especially those expecting their second child, attend a Siblings Class a month or two before the birth of their new baby. The Siblings Class is offered once each month at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Class size is limited and registration is required. For schedule and fee information, please call 973-322-5360. Date: October 19, 2009 Saint Barnabas Contact: Samantha Anton, 973-322-5425 [ top ] [ back to news index ] |
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