Baby Bonding: Help the Other Kids
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Kids this age are reaching milestones like potty training and moving into a toddler bed - it's important not to rush them into these big-kid things before they're ready. Regression will be normal, however, when the baby arrives, and the child shouldn't be punished. Start making the child feel included before the baby arrives by allowing her to be involved in decisions like decorating the nursery and choosing clothing. Refer to the new arrival as "our baby" or "your sister/brother" so that the child feels a part of the baby's life. When the baby comes, allow the older sibling to help as much as she's willing - fetching diapers, choosing outfits for the baby and showing the baby his toys are good ways. It might be helpful to have a relative or sitter on hand to help with the baby to increase one-on-one time with the older sibling. Talk about the older sibling's babyhood - it helps her to understand how much time and attention are needed when there's a new baby, and it should help her to know that you spent just as much time with her when she was an infant.
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