A toddler may misbehave or begin acting younger in response to the stress and change. Punishing the child or insisting that the child share your love for the new baby does not work. Simply give the toddler extra love and reassurance. The child s attachment to his new baby brother or sister will grow naturally and slowly over time. There are a number of things that you can do to prepare children for a new baby's arrival to the family.
Preschoolers are better able to understand what is happening.
Parents can prepare them during the pregnancy for the arrival of a new baby. Preschoolers will miss their parents and sometimes become resentful and angry because they are no longer the focus of attention and may resent the new baby. They need to be told often that they are loved and that there is enough room in your heart for both children. They need praise and comforting, too. School-aged children are usually proud and protective of a new baby.