Have you always dreamed of your children sharing a special sibling bond? It’s impossible to force our kids into friendship, but we can give them a good place to start.
This informational campaign comes to you in partnership with the Stark County Community Action Agency.
My brother and I are very close, but our relationship has ebbed and flowed over the years. We were best friends as young children, rivals as teens, somewhat distant in our early twenties, and now closest friends again. You can’t guarantee when or how your kids will get along, but you can try your best to set them up for success.
5 Tips to Foster a Strong Sibling Bond
After you bring another baby home, your older children will likely feel a shift. Here are a few ways to soften the major changes.
- Involve your older children in the care of their baby sibling. Allow them to give the baby bottles or help with picking out clothes. Being involved and helping you take care of the baby is a special treat for older kids.
- Snuggle with your children at the same time. Make space on your lap or the couch to hold and snuggle your children together.
- Don’t blame or belittle the baby. Avoid telling your older kids that they can’t do something or you’re tied up “because of the baby.” This can build resentment and introduce the idea that mom is busy/unfun/distant because of their new brother or sister.
- Teach your kids about the gift of a new baby. Some parents literally have their new baby give a gift to the older kids, and I’ve heard this works well. But you can also point out that lazy Saturday in front of the TV, slow walks through the park, and exciting first steps or words are all because of the new sibling in their life!
- Talk about feelings in front of each other. When the baby is feeling hungry, express those thoughts to your older kids so they don’t assume the baby is just screaming because that’s what they do. If your middle child is feeling frustrated, talk about their feelings aloud with their older siblings and the new baby present. Being heard will be important for all your kids in every relationship they have.
Source
- Peaceful Parent Happy Kids. “10 Tips to Foster a Sweet Sibling Relationship From the Start.” [Online.] Available at: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/great-sibling-relationship-from-the-start
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting
