Beginner Baby

Is your only child showing signs of jealousy as your new baby’s arrival approaches?  It is only natural for your little one to show anxiety at sharing you with someone who is currently a stranger.  Your baby shower just may compound this problem as your child watches the baby receive wonderful gifts while he or she gets nothing.

Perhaps a Sibling Shower is in order!  A sibling shower is a great way to help your child become part of the new baby celebration.  The focus is not on gifts, but on celebrating the fact that your child will soon be a big brother or sister.

Plan a special day and time for your child’s Sibling Shower.  Invite a few friends and neighbors, explaining that gifts are not expected at the party.  Be sure they know not to give gifts for the baby as well, since this will defeat the purpose of the gathering.

Plan fun games such as “diapering the baby doll” and “throwing baby pins into a jar.”  Play loads of songs specifically selected by your child, perhaps from your ipod through a speaker.  Let your child blow out candles on a cake that says, “Big Brother!” or “Big Sister!” while the party members sing, “For he/she’s a jolly good sibling!”

Goody bags can include baby bottle pops, baby bottles filled with candy or a jar of slime wrapped with a diaper.  Let your child help with game ideas, the menu and with party favor suggestions.  You can even purchase a “big brother” or “big sister” shirt for your child to wear to the party.  Be creative and have fun!

How have you helped your children to feel better about a new baby’s arrival?