WHEN THE BABY IS BORN

Children’s reactions to having a new sibling differ. This is based on their age, personality and of course how you are coping with things (yup, there’s no way to avoid the guilt creeping in). “The birth of a sibling is a great gain for a child, but

TAKING YOUR TODDLER TO THE PARK CAN HELP BURN OFF ENERGY AND GIVE YOU SOME QUALITY TIME TOGETHER. BUT REMEMBER, PREGNANCY HORMONES RELAX YOUR LIGAMENTS AND YOU ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF DAMAGING

YOUR BODY AND BACK in some ways also represents a loss. Loss of his place as the centre of his parents’ worlds, loss of their time and attention, and loss of his position as the baby in the house,” says Julie.

While your toddler’s behaviour may try your patience (what you have left of it after those sleepless nights), Julie says you need to try to be empathetic to their situation. “Increased whining or aggression often make parents cross, and while your toddler may need you to set boundaries, he also needs you to help him regulate his feelings. Name his feelings for him and talk about them. It is good to discuss positive feelings your child may have towards the baby, but it is also important to speak about the negative feelings. Naming feelings and discussing them helps your child manage them and makes them less powerful and overwhelming,” she says. Some children respond to the birth of a sibling with increased independence. Commend your child for all the things he has mastered. When he helps with the baby say something like: “Thank you for being such an excellent big brother.”

HERE ARE SOME OTHER BEHAVIOURS YOUR CHILD MAY DISPLAY: REGRESSION

In response to seeing how much love and attention the newborn is getting, your older child may go through a phase of wanting to be a baby. He may wish