Sibling adjusting

Discussion in 'Parenting' started by ptahm22, Feb 2, 2017.

  1. ptahm22

    ptahm22 Member

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    My friends son is 6 1/2 and he's been the only child up until now. He has been so excited for this baby and can't wait for him to get here. Well now he keeps saying once his brother is born his mum won't "like" him any more and will only like his brother. Please help her on what to do! :/ She almost cried on him when he said that to her. It broke her heart and she doesn't want him to feel like he's going to kicked to the curb.
     
  2. James McAllister

    James McAllister Kinacle Employee Staff Member

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    This is pretty common actually and understandable for their son. Up until that point, he's been his mother's primary focus and he isn't used to sharing that love and attention.

    We actually just published an article on a similar topic, although it's aimed for toddlers a lot of the same advice (as well as the psychology behind it) still applies. Perhaps some of the tips will be applicable. You can read it here:

    Top Tips To Handle Toddler-Baby Jealousy

    Fortunately the kids tend to get over it before too long as they learn they wont' be missing out as much as they think they are, and grow to love their new sibling very much!
     
  3. Alexandoy

    Alexandoy Well-Known Member

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    I guess that statement of a 6-year old is borne from influence. Maybe his friends have said that to him or perhaps some adults. That statement is a common remark for adults to a little boy who is about to have a sibling. On this issue, the parents should give assurance to the big sibling that the little sibling to come is a sibling and part of the family. That means there will be 3 people loving the big sibling, the mother, father, and the little sibling. Isn't that encouraging for the boy?
     
  4. Decentlady

    Decentlady Active Member

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    It is quite common for the first child to be jealous of the newborn. Simply because the idea of sharing attention, toys etc is a big deal for them.

    Some first borns even try to hurt the new born if the parents aren't careful and so the parents should be equally loving to the first born after the new baby.

    It is always good to prepare a child beforehand with positive thoughts and excitement on how lovely will it be to have a new born in the house. That helps ease this phase.

    I hope the family learns to cope.
     
  5. Nocturnal Writer

    Nocturnal Writer Active Member

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    Family communication is the best solution for a child who is overprotected, long loved to let him know the facts of life. Exposing him to a happy family of three or four in a movie or in a real life if you know a friend or a close relative for that matter. It is actually the actuation of your daughter for she has been taken care since she's been born till she's six years and a half.
     

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