Preparing Your Toddler for a New Sibling

Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Does thinking of introducing your toddler to their new sibling stress you out? If so, the solution may be much simpler than you surmised.

No matter what you do to prepare your toddler beforehand, they will still be surprised when a new baby comes home and stays. All parents share similar fears and concerns about turning their toddlers' worlds upside down when having another baby. So cut yourself some slack. Take the time to make sense of the new relationships and figure out how to balance everyone’s needs.

Your assumptions and attitudes can influence the process of preparing your toddler for the arrival of a new baby. You may worry about giving too much attention to the baby in front of your firstborn. Perhaps you feel sad or guilty about not having the time to focus on your toddler as much as you did before. Or you may even feel you are not fully meeting the needs of anyone.

In this episode, I discuss ways to prepare your toddler for welcoming a new sibling, and I share some strategies to encourage positive sibling relationships. Stay tuned to learn how to help your toddler navigate the potentially difficult transition to becoming a big brother or sister.

Show highlights:

• How to cope when your joy gets met with guilt and doubt.
• How your toddler might feel when you bring the new baby home.
• Some simple ways to prepare your toddler for becoming a big brother or sister.
• How to help your toddler feel valued and important when they meet their new baby brother or sister for the first time.
• Why toddlers must be allowed to express their feelings.
• How to help your toddler to express and accept their emotions.
• Some strategies to encourage positive sibling relationships.

Links and resources:
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby
Check out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy Course
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