Preparing Your Toddler For A Second Baby

If you're expecting your second child, one of your concerns is probably how to prepare your first child for the appearance of a sibling. Here are some tips:

1. You probably shouldn't divulge the great news as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Nine months can seem like a long time for you, but it's an absolute eternity to a toddler. Your child may feel as if he or she will be displaced, "disthroned", some say, by the baby. After all, the toddler has had you all to his or herself up till now.

2. Stress the positive by saying such things as, "You're going to be a big sister," instead of "You're going to have a baby sister."

3. Speak of the baby as "ours", not just "mommy's".

4. Make any big changes, like moving your child to a new room or a big bed, well before the baby is due so your child will feel like he or she is growing up, not being pushed out. Don't actually deprive your toddler of your attention, but ease up a bit.

5. Share child care with your spouse if you haven't already done so. And, you might want to think about leaving your child with a sitter more occasionally.

6. Get a baby doll too for your child, if you like, and maybe even outfit a old one with new clothes and equipment. That way you can start letting your child practice being gentle with the new baby.

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