FUN GAMES TO HELP OLDER SIBLINGS BOND WITH THEIR BABY SIBLING

Universal Children’s Day is coming up, so here’s some support for parents with a baby in the house. Help your older kids connect with the new arrival through play.

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A new baby is a game-changer for siblings. Even when they are excited about the baby, kids might still feel jealous about getting less attention from parents, the pile of gifts baby gets from friends, everybody cooing over the pram wherever you go…

Experts say kids from 18 months to three years tend to struggle most with adapting. Younger ones don’t notice so much and older siblings are probably busy with their own stuff.

Jealousy is to be expected. Be understanding and work to grow the love that will replace the negative feelings.

Easier said than done, but there is something that can help a young sibling to get used to and become interested in a baby. Playing games. Here are a few suggestions from parents.com for the first 12 months with a baby.



0-3 MONTHS
Young kids love playing teacher. Let the child move a toy in front of the baby, who will track it with his eyes. If the baby reaches for it, tell the little teacher something like: “Look what you taught him to do!”

At about two months, the baby starts to smile. Now the older child can make him grin with funny faces, puffing cheeks or wacky sounds.

A kid who loves books, even if they're still pretending to read, can flip through one and make up a story for the baby. You can explain that this is an important job because the baby’s brain needs to hear many words even while not understanding them.

3 TO 6 MONTHS
Babies start laughing now and closer to six months they might show excitement when they see their sibling.

Your older child will love making the baby laugh. Put a stuffed toy on your baby's head, or play Little Piggy with her toes.

Babies might not like lying on their tummies, but need to grow strong enough to lift their heads. Your toddler can help. Let them put a few toys just out of reach and encourage the baby to crawl towards them.

As the baby begins to coo and babble, explain to the toddler that the baby wants you to repeat their pretend words.

Related article: How to establish a sleep routine for your little one

6 TO 9 MONTHS
Once the baby can sit up without support, there are more options for play.

The older child might be annoyed with the baby for knocking over his block tower, but turn it into a game: “Let’s build something and see if the baby can knock it over.”

Let the kids make noise with baby instruments or anything safe for banging and making noise. Just remind the toddler to start softly so the baby doesn’t get a fright.



Related article: 10 Tips for raising happy, well-rounded children

9 TO 12 MONTHS
The baby starts to move around and might imitate a sibling’s game.

Babies now begin to understand things exist even when you can’t see them. Challenge your older child to come up with interesting ways to make objects disappear and reappear.

Closer to a year old, babies might be ready to try walking. Put on music and let your toddler show baby how to do it. He can hold the baby's hand when they try to walk. Just be close to catch whoever is about to fall.

The big idea is to get toddlers involved and reassure them that they are as important and appreciated as ever.

Related article: Lost clinic card? Here’s what to do

Sources: https://www.parents.com, https://tinybeans.com, https://www.goodtherapy.org, https://www.askdrsears.com