When a newborn is in the house, the older siblings might feel less cared for. Those feelings can easily turn into jealousy. Here is everything you need to know about that and how to deal with your toddler’s jealousy.
First of all, keep this in mind:
1| It is completely normal that your toddler’s jealousy will surface once there is a newborn in the house. Older children lose the spotlight with the arrival of a newborn and that is totally understandable.
2| Jealousy is not something you want to enforce.
In other words, jealousy might be there, but we should not make it the center of our attention and energy. And here we will get to know the do’s and don’ts when we sense jealousy.
Avoid these mistakes that might cause toddler’s jealousy:
1| Talking negatively about them.
Children can be sensitive when there is a newborn. Talking negatively about them and in front of them is a big mistake and will spark jealousy and a little resentment.
2| Giving all the attention and love to the newborn.
This one is a major mistake that parents make unconsciously. When children feel neglected, they tend to act out. Give them as much love, care and attention as the newborn to keep your toddler’s jealousy under control.
3| Keeping them apart.
Most parents tend to keep newborn babies away from their older siblings – which is wrong. Not only will big siblings feel bad and unwanted, but your newborn won’t feel them around and it might cause more problems as they grow up.
How to do it right and completely prevent toddler’s jealousy?
Start from the beginning of your pregnancy to establish a beautiful relationship between your children and the baby. Here are a couple thing you can do:
– Talk about the importance of siblings and how special it is to be an older brother or sister.
– When buying newborn clothes, get your older child something special to remind them they are loved and included.
– Give your child a positive attitude and vibe regarding the new baby. Use words like “He can’t wait to be a big brother” and “she will make a great big sister”
– Give your children equal doses of love, care and attention. Don’t prioritize one over the other.
– Make your older children feel responsible for the newborn. Tell them that the baby needs their care and protection.
– Assign them to important roles in taking care of the baby, like handing your clean diapers or keeping their toys nearby.
– Buy each of your children personal toys, but also buy ones for them to share. This will help them bond and get along.
Dad, you play an important role too!
Dads can really ease avoiding siblings jealousy by giving them all equal time and attention. If you’re caring for the newborn, have your spouse look after your toddler. Switch the roles every now and then to bond with all your children equally.
Finally,
Our main advice is to never compare between your children, no matter how the age difference is.
