Having a baby or toddler in the house can be hard for some older brothers and sisters. Once a baby begins to move around and explore, he can get into toys and other favorite things.
Babies and toddlers need to form good relationships with their older brothers and sisters. You can help this happen with activities for toddlers and siblings.
Separate Family Home Activities for Older Children
Give older children a place of their own where their things are safe from the baby. If older children can’t have their own room, a drawer or shelf too high for the baby will do. Or let them play on the kitchen table, away from baby activities.
Let Your Adolescent Help with the Baby
Show older siblings some of the amazing things their younger brother or sister can do. But don’t forget to point out problems the baby cannot yet solve. Show the older child how to participate in toddler learning. Suggest she roll a ball to the baby, read a book or build a block tower. Be sure to compliment her efforts. Point out times the baby tries to copy older siblings, how he wants to be like them.
By treating older children as partners in caring for the baby, you will help them gain a sense of cooperation and responsibility.
Make Special Time for Adolescent Parenting
Give each child some of your full attention each day. Your children may resent the baby if he always interrupts their time with you.
You can also make special fun, family activities for “big children only.” This could be something as simple as inviting a friend over or going to a friend’s house.
It can be hard for children to learn to share the same space and share their parents’ attention. When problems arise, take time to teach children how to share, take turns, or stay out of each other’s way. You don’t have to get angry or take sides. It takes a long time for children to learn to see things from someone else’s point of view. Your job is to teach them…over and over and over.
Source: Parenting the First Year, Months 9-10. University of Wisconsin-Extension, NCR 321, 1999.