Getting Your Other Children Excited about Your
Pregnancy
You have just found out that you are expecting a baby. What
wonderful news! If you already have a child, then you are
probably very excited about telling that child about the baby.
More often than not, children are extremely receptive and happy
about the new sibling in the house. Here are some tips for
getting your other children excited about your pregnancy.
Consider your child’s emotions: Before you break the news
about the new baby, consider your child. Think about how your
child normally reacts to big news and changes. If you have a
child that has a hard time adjusting to changes, then you may
want to gradually break the news. Read some books, talk about
babies and don’t just blurt the news out. If you have children
that deal with change well and are generally excited about such
news, then make it a family affair and announce it when you
feel it is most appropriate. You may also want to consider your
child’s age when you decide on when to tell them. Many mothers
feel that waiting under the second trimester is wisest you can
avoid explaining to your child if something bad happens. If you
have a very young child, then telling them about the news right
away can feel like an eternity to them. You may want to wait
until you start showing signs.
Let your child visit the doctor with you: Older children
will enjoy going to the doctor appointments with you. If you
are having an ultrasound, then this may be a good time if your
doctor will allow it. Seeing and hearing the baby can give your
child concrete evidence that the baby is in there. This will
get your child very excited about the baby.
Spend time with your child: Explain to your child that when
the baby comes, things will be different. However, as a parent,
you must take the time focus on your child, too. Assure your
child that you will have plenty of love to go around. Make a
special routine at bed time with your child, or find time that
the two of you can enjoy together.
Let your child help with the baby plans: Another way to get
your child excited about the addition to the family is to let
your child help with the baby plans. Let them make name
suggestions, and take them shopping to help pick out clothes
and toys for the nursery. You can even let your child help
decorate the nursery. He or she can draw pictures to hang on
the wall or help paint, too. It will be fun for your child to
help prepare for the baby in this way.
Take your child to a sibling class: Many areas and hospitals
offer sibling classes and these are great to help your child
prepare for the baby. These classes will show your child how to
hold the baby and how to help mom and dad care for the baby.
Look around for these classes to see if you can enroll your
child in one.
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