HOW TO TELL YOUR CHILD THEY ARE GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER OR SISTER

And baby makes three…..(or more)!

You are expecting baby # 2 or #3 (or more!) and are over the moon. You CANNOT wait to tell your older children that they are going to be a big brother or sister! But wait, how are you supposed to tell your toddler that he or she is not going to be the center of attention anymore??

We are pregnant with Baby #2, and our first kiddo just turned 2. They will end up being 2.5 years apart…and the thought leaves my head SPINNING. I can’t imagine our toddler not being the center of our world anymore! How can I prepare her for what lies ahead? (Less importantly, but equally scary, how do I prepare MYSELF??

Big Kid “Prep”

To do some “Big Kid Prep” for baby, I have asked around for us. From friends and family to random moms I see at the park with two kids (yeah, I am that creepy mom always looking to strike up conversation); I have compiled a little list of what it takes to prep the center of your world to share the spotlight!

How to break the news to your child

• During your pregnancy, talk to your toddler about the baby growing in your belly. Not only does this bring up hilarious responses and cute reactions from your little one, it won’t surprise them when you go to the hospital and come home with a baby! When we ask our daughter where her little sister is, she points to HER stomach. Now, that would be an adjustment for her hahah!!
  
• There are also a ton of books that talk about becoming a big brother or sister, and we have a handful of them. They have become our little daughter’s favorites to read at bedtime and we daydream about what little sister will be like. 

• Talk to your toddler about the difference between a baby and a “big girl” or “big boy.” Point out the differences, and how it is so much fun to be a Big Girl/Boy! Babies can’t eat pizza or ice cream, babies can’t play at the park, babies can’t read and sing. Help your child realizes being a toddler is so much fun and they had to learn and grow to get there, which is a pretty big and awesome accomplishment! And they can help teach their baby brother or sister to do all those things!
  
• Do not lie to your little one about what the baby will be able to do. If your toddler is expecting a playmate, they are in for a sure surprise! Baby won’t be able to interact for months (as most adults know), but your Big Kid does not realize that! Explain to your Big Kid that little baby will cry a lot, because they can’t talk. 
  
• Involve your Big Kid in all the baby preparation! Let them pick out an outfit, blanket, or special toy for their new sibling. Talk about all the things they will be able to help with when baby comes! Like, watching them take a bath or handing Mommy or Daddy the pacifier or special lovey if the baby is crying.
  
• Show your Big Kid pictures of them when they were little, or even in your tummy! It might help them understand that you actually have a tiny human growing in your belly.

Hope this helps make you feel more excited and prepared and less nervous about bringing another precious bundle into the world! Good luck, parents! And if you have any input, please leave them for us! We are learning, too! We’d love to hear what you also did to share the news with your children.

THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN BY A GUEST WRITER AND EDITED BY RACHEL RISING.