{"id":902,"date":"2023-01-18T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=902"},"modified":"2023-09-20T15:00:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:00:49","slug":"preparing-for-baby-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/preparing-for-baby-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting ready for baby #2: introducing siblings to the new baby"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Whether you\u2019re starting a family<\/a>, having a second baby, or adding more children to the mix, a new arrival is a big change for small siblings. Their responses can vary widely, whether you have a happy-go-lucky child, a clingy toddler, or a bossy older sibling who\u2019s feeling a bit territorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal for siblings to feel left out when a new baby is on the way. With a little preparation and patience, you can ease their concerns as they begin to form a healthy, lifelong family bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping toddlers and newborns to get along<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.”<\/em>
[Mark 10:16, \/ NIV<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your children are blessings and blessed to be part of a faithful and loving family. God recognizes their innocence, as well as their need for older and wiser parents to guide them in the way that they should go [Proverbs 22:6<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing toddlers for a new baby takes time, but it\u2019s worth the effort. Soon, they\u2019ll adjust to having a little less attention from mommy and daddy and learn \u2013 faster than you can say, \u201cFirst steps!\u201d \u2013 they\u2019ll have a new friend to play with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can expect some sibling rivalry \u2013 it\u2019s part of family life. There\u2019ll be days when children with even the rosiest of dispositions turn green with envy when one sibling seems to have more. As they learn to get along, it\u2019s a good time to teach them how to share everything, from their time and their toys to their love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cAnd He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.\u201d<\/em>\u2013 Mark 10:16, NIV<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Preparing for baby two, three, or more<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By the time you\u2019re having a second baby, you\u2019re probably a parenting pro. You\u2019ve mastered the basics, from late-night feedings to daytime naps, diaper duty, bassinets, and baths. Whether you\u2019re having a second child or your family has grown bigger, kids of all ages benefit from knowing what to expect. Remind them they\u2019re still unique, special, and loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following steps can help make new-baby transitions easier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n