Topic: Sibling Jealousy Posted By: Tom Date: 02 Feb 2000 4:01 PM
My wife and I are expecting our second child soon, and I'm worried that
our 2 year old son will be jealous of his new brother or sister. We've
talked with him about it, but I want to try to reinforce our love and
support for him as much as possible. Does anyone know of any really
good children's books we can use in our talks with our son, that deal
with this topic?
There are a number of good books around and your local bookshop should
be able to help. However, please don't tell your son that the new baby
will be a playmate - my parents did this and my first words to my new
brother were come on play with my toys! I was not happy to find out
that he couldn't and I was the same age as your son. Let him help out
though as this builds a good bond between them.
Subject: Sibling Rivalry From:Heather Date: 03 Mar 2000 1:47 PM
As a mother of 3, I can offer 4 books that may help. The thing to
remember with your 2-year-old is that he is still at a very concrete
developmental stage. He will not fully understand what all the hype is
about until he can actually touch, hear, smell and see the new baby.
Sometimes the build-up to the big event is even more stressful than the
baby actually being home. Your 2-year-old keeps hearing about what's
coming but doesn't see anything. Try not to push the issue too much,
just shower him with love and praise right now. The books I liked
are:I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole (*this also comes in the title I'm
a Big Brother),The New Baby at Your House by Joanna Cole,The New Baby:
A Mister Rogers' First Experience Book by Fred Rogers,Arthur's New Baby
Book: A Lift-the-Flap Guide to Being a Great Big Brother or Sister by
Marc T. BrownThe first 3 should be closer to a level for your son but
preview them first and see what you think. Best Wishes!
Subject: siblings From:Lana Date: 03 Mar 2000 1:58 AM
Basically, as with many parenting challenges, don't make an issue out
of things. Your child takes cues from you, so be sure to be casual
about your focus on this and space out the talks. The book, Siblings
Without Rivalry was a great one and is by two Mom authors. A counselor
I know uses their stuff in her practice. A big help for my girlfriend
whose boys are closely spaced as yours will be. I read the book to
help with my interaction with her children. Though I only have one
child, I've considered the situation carefully. The biggest challenge
would seem to be the simple task of finding someone to keep the older
child totally happily occupied and entertained--someone or some people
who will be regular, comitted and fun. Someone the child already knows
would seem to be a natural, so that's it's not more new stuff for your
child. Someone who might take them places on a regular basis. I know
a woman who has a regular, weekly outing with a friend's child or
children, whichever works out and it seems to be a great arrangement
for all. Good luck.
Subject: Sibling Rivalry From: Judy Young Date: 07 Jul 2000 7:15 AM
I am the parent of a 14 yr old girl & a 11 yr old boy. When my son was
born I thought I did everything right.My daughterreverted to babyhood
and hid the new baby's toys and bottles.To this very day both children
are still jealous of each other. My suggestion is to give the first
born as much attention as the new baby is getting. Remember the
firstborn received all of both parents attention before the new
baby.This is the bases for the rivalry.Good Luck...
Subject: Sibling Rivalry From: Deanna Date: 12 Dec 2000 3:31 AM
You could try the book written by Dr Peter Marshall (Cinderella
Revisited)
Subject: sibling Rivalry From: Sarah Date: 03 Mar 2002 8:46 AM
We have a book, it is kind of old, though. Called "Thumper's little
Sisters" It is a Walt Disney Beginning book published by Bantam Books.
It is great because it deals with the parents being busy with the baby
bunnies and not having as much time with him, but they still love him.
and in the end, the little sisters end up helping Thumper.
Subject: Siblings From: Rachel Date: 05 May 2001 10:58 PM
I have 3 daughters and it seems that only two of them can get along.
The oldest and the youngest do just fine and then the middle and the
youngest do just fine. The oldest and the middle fight like cats and
dogs and seem to genuinely dislike each other! HELP! I'm at my wits
end to help them get along and care for each other. Any ideas?
