Parents talk to children more now than in previous generations, whether it’s about school, love or even what wireless broadband service to get. They no longer feel that need to withhold information on certain subjects until children are old enough to understand. This is also true when preparing a child for the arrival of a newborn.
While expectant parents are looking forward to the joy of welcoming a new baby into the family, they may worry about what their young child will think about having to share his or her parents with another child. Becoming a big brother or sister is a responsibility too big for any small child to understand completely. That is why parents need to be careful about when to talk to the child about the baby. They also need to choose their words carefully when explaining what is going on to the small child.
Because even very young children may eventually notice changes in an expectant woman’s appearance, at some point they may ask what is going on. Parents can then explain that a baby will be joining the family. Let the child know that he or she will be getting a new brother or sister. This will be enough for the child to handle, until the time draws near for the arrival of the baby.
When a mom nears her due date, this is the time to tell the small child in the house about what will happen during your stay in the hospital. What is only a matter of days for us, may seem an eternity to them. Reassuring them that while you, or you and your spouse, may be away from home for a few days, someone they know and trust will be there to take care of them until you return.
School aged children can handle a little more information, but for younger children, less is better when discussing changes that will occur once you bring the baby home.
