Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Early Times
Introducing Your Toddler
To Their New Sibling A new baby is an exciting time for any family, but it can also be quite unsettling for toddlers
who are used to having undivided attention constantly. Some siblings adjust perfectly and love their new brother or sister right away, but there can be feelings of resentment and jealousy too. There are steps you can take to make the addition of a new family member easier for everyone.
Do your prep!
Before the new baby arrives, talk to your child about your pregnancy and encourage them to ask questions. Involving them allows them to feel valued and a part of this family occasion. Reading books like “I Used To Be The Baby”, “Hello Baby” or “There’s Going To Be A Baby” with your child can help address ideas around pregnancy and a new addition to the family.
The First Meeting
Some children (and adults) can be a little freaked out by hospitals. You’ll know whether or not your child can handle the hospital as the first place to meet their new sibling. When they visit in hospital, make sure you spend time with them before introducing them to the baby, maybe have a picture of them by the bed, and make sure that they get plenty of attention before they meet the new arrival. If possible, have a nice trip prepared for your toddler for after their visit so they can have some fun time and talk about their experience with their carer. When meeting their sibling for the first time allow them contact with the baby and talk with them, answering any questions that they might have. If you’re waiting until you come home or you have a home birth, keep the focus on your toddler before introducing them to the baby. If you can wait until your toddler is happy and not tired, so much the better!
Routine
It’s not surprising that a new baby can disrupt the routine of the family, but it’s important to try and stick to any routines that you may have had such as playgroup, bath times, or story time. Keeping the routine will help your toddler to realise that not everything has changed.
Get Them Involved
Giving your toddler a role in bringing up baby will make them feel involved and valued. Ask them to help you pick the clothes for the baby, ask them to help you read a story or even help with a nappy change. Alone Time
You might feel like there’s not enough time in the day, but spending some time alone with your toddler, playing, reading stories or just having a cuddle is a good way to reassure them that they are not being left out and still have your attention. Even just a few minutes can be valuable
Expect Some Regression
It is not unusual for toddlers to regress and start to behave in a more baby like fashion when a new baby arrives. They may want to use nappies or a bottle again and their toilet training might take a backwards step. This is perfectly normal behaviour.
Communication
Talk to your toddler and listen to them as they will be experiencing a lot of different feelings. Joy, happiness, confusion, jealousy, anger, and excitement all make for a turbulent and emotional time. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and reassure them – sometimes all they need is to know they’re being listened to and understood.
Time
All good things come to those who wait. Bonds don’t just happen straight away, so it might be that your toddler isn’t interested in the new baby at all or exhibits signs that they don’t like their new sibling. This is all perfectly natural and over time bonds will start to grow!