TALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY: My tips!
With pregnancy and babies for certain, the more we talk about it and celebrate it with our children, the more excited and engaged they become!
Sometimes we need a little help to begin a conversation about topics that make us feel a bit uncomfortable. The book can begin that dialogue with our children and make it easier to discuss pregnancy in an open, honest way. I found “9 months” by Courtney Adamo and Esther Van de Paal (click), very helpful!
“9 Months” celebrates the stages of pregnancy, from conception to birth, in a straight-forward, no-nonsense way – without euphemisms or abstract language.
Another book I can recommend as perfect way to help a soon-to-be older sibling welcome a younger one is “The New Baby” by Mercer Mayer (click).
I’m sure you can find other books for children to be a conversation starter about the pregnancy, deliver and the newborn baby!
I’m a big believer in talking honestly with my children on all topics as they arise; to establish a more open relationship and avoid the awkwardness that can set in when we talk around or avoid certain topics.
Here are some other sweet ways to prepare your child to become a big sibling:
- Have them join you at doctor/ultrasound appointments and encourage them to ask questions if they have any. I took Victoria with me for one of my scans and she was so excited about it! She stayed calmly and waited over 1,5 hours for our appointment making questions from time to time about the hospital, the room where I will deliver, the midwife that will assist me during the labor and the she wanted all detailed answers. Vicky even took her camera and took many pics during the visit.
- Let them feel your baby’s kicks.
- Encourage them to talk or sing to the baby.
- Let them massage your belly with a special oil.
- Ask them to help you with washing and folding the baby’s clothes and creating a special space for the baby.
- Watch gentle birth videos together.
- Get a little present for the baby, ask them to help wrap the present and prepare a card for the baby.
- Encourage older siblings to make something for the baby – knit a little hat or booties, crochet a blanket, or even finger knit a toy (great for younger children).
- If possible, spend some time with other friends who have babies, so they can understand what to expect.
- Play with dolls together and practice swaddling, changing nappies, baby wearing, rocking, shhh-ing, etc.
- Ask them questions: What are you excited about? What are you nervous about?
What was your experience with older siblings for preparing them for the arrival of a new baby at home? Do you have any other tips that helped you? I would love to hear from you about that. You can leave your comment below!
Warmest hugs,
Joanna
