Health Tip: Dealing With Sibling Rivalry

(HealthDay News) — Adjusting from being an only child to being a big brother or big sister may be a difficult transition.

It is best to talk openly with your child so he or she knows what to expect when the newborn arrives.

The Nemours Foundation suggests:

Let the older child help decorate the new baby’s room.
Allow the older child to pick out a special gift for the new baby. Buy a gift for the older child, too, to recognize the child’s role as an older sibling.
Reserve one-on-one time with the older child.
Read books that will help the older child understand the changes to your family.
Talk about what to expect when the baby comes home from the hospital.
Establish the older child’s role as the “big brother/sister.” Make this new role seem exciting.
Let the older child help take care of the baby, such as by grabbing a diaper or burp cloth when you need one.