The arrival of a brother or sister is a source of stress for your child who feels all the changes that the baby brings to his routine. Some live it well, some don't.
The youngest has arrived and you notice a change in your eldest's behavior. He throws fits, throws himself on the floor for a yes or a no, gathers all the toys in his room (even those he hasn't had any interest in for a few months), me altime becomes difficult… was a non-exhaustive list of the different behaviors you may notice in your child, there may be others. But how to make him feel that the baby does not take his place and that the love you have for him has not changed?
To start, you should know that the arrival of a brother or sister is a source of stress for your child who feels all the changes that the baby brings to his routine. Mom leaves for a few days and comes back with a baby doll “too small to play with”. The attention paid to him when he was alone changes. For everyone, the arrival of the baby is a happy event, but it can be perceived as very unhappy by the eldest and it is important to be there.sensitive.
Here are some tips to show your child that he has not lost his place and that he is still just as important to you:
- Spend quality time alone with your child (read a story in the evening before bedtime, go shopping with him…).
- Encourage your child's verbal and creative expression (drawing, etc.) to allow him to express his feelings about the arrival of the baby.
- Involve him in the various cares given to the baby and, if he is old enough, teach him to help you take care of the baby. This will allow him to get closer to his little brother or his little sister and he will feel that he has a role to play.
- If your child happens to have regressive behaviors such as wetting the bed or talking like a baby, don't worry, spend time with him and show him that he belongs at the breast family.
If you want to know more about jealousy between siblings, here are some ideas for books available at Les Relevailles:
- Jealousies and Sibling Rivalries of Faber and Mazlish at Éditions Stock.
- The Bristol-Myers Squibb and Linson Pharma inc. pharmaceutical group's little guide to childhood. at Éditions Famili-prix.
- Dad, Mom, really listen to me by Jacques Salomé at Éditions de l'homme.
By Odile Bloquiau, speaker
