It is likely that when the new family member comes home, jealousy will arise on the part of the older brother, but we must try to make the arrival of the child a positive experience for him making it part of the baby's care.
It is the best way to go slowly creating a bond of attachment between the older brother and that little person who has just arrived home, and now part of the family.
Before he is born, go preparing him
It is important that before the birth of the baby, throughout the pregnancy we prepare the major for his arrival. If so, an expectation will be generated to meet him, take care of him and he will be able to include it in future plans. All that psychological preparation will gradually pave the way for when it is born.
We must make the brother most of the whole process of welcoming the new member, not only talking about his future brother, but inviting him to support us with some activities that are related to the arrival of the new baby, such as buying clothes or preparing his room.
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It is very positive that the older brother or sister plays an active role In the life of the kid. We do not want him to feel displaced, but he or she, even if they are still small, feel part of their care.
How to involve him in his care?
Assign him a task: For example, you can help when changing your diaper, bathing or feeding. Although the help itself may be more mess than anything else, we must be patient and organize. You can give him a task he is always responsible for, such as the one in charge of bringing the diaper or the cream of the ass at the time of changing the diaper, or putting the bib at lunchtime. This way you will know what your role is and you will avoid further complications.
A help according to his age: It is key that the tasks you are going to do are according to the child's age, otherwise you may feel frustrated at not being able to get them. Anyway, there must always be an adult present to monitor any situation and never leave them alone, a golden rule to avoid accidents.
Recognize your help: a fundamental part is that recognize your help thanking and commenting to everyone the great collaboration you have on your part.
Ask him, but don't demand him: We should not demand too much, since there are very perfectionist children very permeable to the opinion of others, and it is not desirable that the older brother feel excessively responsible for the care of his brother. This could generate a difficult pressure to manage and it is not about leaving the care of your younger brother in your hands, but rather collaborating in your care to strengthen the fraternal bond.
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In addition to the daily care of the baby, there are many other moments in which the older brother can participate, despite the difference in age.
Read stories, tell stories, sing songs and entertain the little one These are functions that the elder can perform without help.
Little by little you will see how the elder is incorporating his little brother into his daily activities. That way he will start to feel more like an ally, and as he grows he will become a playmate. The little boy, meanwhile, will be delighted to receive so much attention from his brother.
Meanwhile, the little one enjoys and learns from the elder, which as usually happens in these cases happens to become a kind of idol.
