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...

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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