You managed to have one child. This makes you a pro at this mom stuff–well, sort of. Now you're expecting baby number two and wondering how you're going to manage it all. Take a deep breath and stay calm. You're going to do great. But first, here are some things to do with your firstborn so they feel confident and joyous about their little siblings' arrival.
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Help them paint art for nursery
Your child is most likely going to have adjustment issues with no longer being the baby of the family. Help them feel involved in this process of change. Make them feel like they're contributing to the unborn baby's new space. It's a great way to get them excited for the new family addition.
Write your firstborn a letter
As moms, we hold so much love for our little ones in our hearts. Try writing a dedication to your firstborn on paper and read it out loud to them. It'll help them feel special and let them know how much love surrounds them.
Go on a trip together
These will be the last days that your firstborn will be in a family of three! Create new memories by going on an adventure together–even if it's a staycation.
Pick out a big sibling gift
To help the older child adjust to the new family addition, it's great to get them a toy they can associate with caring for the little one. "Have your child practice holding a doll and supporting the head," suggests University of Michigan's nursing faculty member Kyla Boyse.
Create extra bonding time
Reading, singing and dancing with your little one are just some ways to create added bonding time with them. Both of you will benefit from it.
Make time for play
Same goes for playtime! Take this time to be silly with them. Making sure they have private time with you even after the baby is born is key.
Take a class together
Baby yoga or music class are great options to build memories with just the two of you. Besides, it's also enriching for them.
Look at old photos together
Pull out those throwback photos and share them with your firstborn. Tell them about their birth story so they get excited for their little brother or sister's arrival!
