Great Tips for Handling Sibling Jealousy
You have to understand that back in the old country
, the Philippines, being fair complected is desirable, a status symbol. This thinking evolved from the centuries of Spanish colonial rule and followed by the American occupation when pale-skinned foreigners controlled money and power while farmers worked the fields. Of course, I was still too young to comprehend this social distinction but, along with many other flattering superlatives heaped on my new sister, I easy concluded that this little baby was the enemy. Why was she getting all the attention?
Arriving at the hospital, I was raised onto a chair propped next to the crib. I gripped the crib's edge, and on tiptoes, struggled to have a peek. I expected to see the most darling, adorable infant I had ever laid eyes on but what I beheld confused me. I didn't think she was pretty at all. Plus, she had unsightly birthmarks on her head. I wondered what all the fuss was about. Later, to my chagrin, Marissa's spots disappeared and she matured into the sweetest, most loving little girl with long tresses and yes, fair skin. Through the years, I learned to adore her cute ways but I have to be honest. I picked on that little sister whenever I could.
Sibling jealousy may be one of those basic human impulses that causes pain to those involved. Place yourself in your kid's shoes for a moment. They may be thinking thoughts like: I'm being replaced; Mom and dad love the baby more than me; Who's going to pay attention to me?; What about me?
Before giving birth, here are some things you can do to prepare your kids for the baby's arrival.
1. Let your kids know how much they mean to you. Highlight their unique qualities to make them feel special.
2. Now that they're going to be a big sibling, tell them what it means with excitement.
3. Having a new playmate can be great news but tone down their expectations by explaining how they'll need to wait for the baby to grow.
4. Let them know you'll be spending more time with the baby because babies can't do things for themselves right away.
After childbirth, your family life may turn upside down while you accommodate the new baby's needs and schedule. Keep things under control around the house with these practical suggestions.
1. Devote some time to your other kids with activities they enjoy, like reading and games, so they won't feel left out. Spread the love with more hugs and kisses to make them feel secure.
2. While the baby naps, share the wonder of a newborn--its teeny size, cute expressions, soft skin--with your kids. When the baby awakens, invite your kids to entertain and care for the baby. With your oversight, you can even allow your kids to bond with their new sibling by holding the baby. You may have to supervise this interaction closely but it will make your kids feel like they're contributing to something important which will make them, in turn, feel valuable.
3. Sing your children's praises when they show tenderness toward the baby. Make them know you're proud of how nicely they're filling the shoes of a big sister or brother.
4. Be careful of how you say things. If you're using the baby as the excuse for not doing things, it will create resentment in your children. Rather than saying, "I can't help you because I'm changing the baby," try saying, "I can help you in a few minutes."
Welcoming a newborn into the family creates a new dynamic that will make demands on your time and patience. Take it easy. You may need to relax your standards of housekeeping, and give yourself the luxury of ordering prepared foods so you can focus on your baby and the rest of the family. Putting a damper on sibling jealousy while maintaining a safe, happy home for your family is what matters.
Great Tips for Handling Sibling Jealousy
By: Gabriela Gerner
Four Tips To Buy The Best Pearls Tips for Spring Planting Legitimate Debt Relief Options – Tips For Finding Reliable Solutions For Debt Relief Makeup Tips: 27 Bridal Makeup Tips For Bride Personal Debt Relief Solutions – Tips For Locating Legitimate Debt Relief Let's Talk: 3 Tips for Livelier Conversations with your Spouse Personal Debt Relief Solutions – Tips To Avoid Bankruptcy And Get Out Of Debt Freedom From Debt Relief – Tips To Realistically Get Out Of Credit Card Debt 5 Tips For Tv Pitching Free Debt Relief Tips – Legitimate Tactics To Get Out Of Debt In This Economy 5 Tips For Pitching Print Debt Relief Options – Tips To Find Legitimate Help With Debt Want a Credit Score of 740 Or Better? 3 Sure Fire Tips For Raising Your Credit Rating Super Fast