BRINGING UP BABIES
Brothers and sisters can help
Encourage older children to help when a new baby arrives. This will help them to form a bond with their sibling, and ensure they don’t feel left out or devoid of attention.
Make every child feel special
Make time for each child. Whether it’s helping a teen with their homework or having an afternoon for just mum and toddler, make everyone feel special.
Older kids need their own time
Remember, they’re siblings not sitters. It can be easy to rely on older children to babysit, but they need to have their own free time so stick to a limit.
Make sure they have space
Give them space. We don’t all have the luxury of a large home with lots of spare rooms, but giving each child their own dedicated area can help.
Make it about togetherness
Encourage group activities. Doing things as a family will help older siblings to feel included – try watching a film together or play board games every Friday night.