This is a big change! Be patient. Older children often try to get your attention by acting like a baby. Do not punish them for this. Let them know that you love them just the way they are.
Bring a present from the baby home from the hospital with you.
Try not to make too big a fuss over the baby. Do not use the baby as a reason for not doing something for the other children. Try not to say "Be quiet, you'll wake the baby" or "Be careful of the baby" too often.
Let the children help with the baby if they want to, but don't force it. Don't put your children in a position where they could hurt the baby, even accidentally.
Each parent should try to spend time alone with older children. They need to know that they are still special and loved.
Many parents don't feel instant love for a new baby. Neither will brothers and sisters. Bonding with a new baby takes time. Children who feel loved themselves will find it much easier to love the new baby.
