Adjusting a Child to a New Sibling

When a child learns he or she is going to be a big brother or sister they often do not understand what it will mean for their lives. Parents can read books to their child to prepare them on the reality of what a newborn sibling will mean. Preparing a child for the realities of a newborn in the house will help with the transition to being an older brother or sister.

Small children have difficulty understanding how life changes with a new brother or sister in the house. Helping them understand that babies cry a great deal, need attention from their parents and that the new baby will not be able to talk and play for a while are ways, we can help a child adjust to the new roles.

The story of Cal and Emmy Lou illustrates how new siblings behave. Cal’s determination to build a sibling relationship with Emmy Lou gives expectant parents the opportunity to talk about the reality of a new younger sibling and what that will mean for the older brother or sister. The ending provides a small but tangible way for new siblings to connect and begin building a life-long relational bond.