Coping with a New Baby in the Family

3-5

An older child shows jealousy, regression, or acting out since a new sibling arrived.

Help the older child feel secure, seen, and still loved in their changed family.

"Having a new baby is a really big change. It's okay to feel a mix of things. I still love you just as much as ever."

"You're the big kid now, act like it." / "Stop being jealous, be nice." / "We're all tired, don't make it harder."

Protect daily special time with the older child — even 10 minutes of undivided attention matters enormously.

Give them a role with the baby: "Can you help me pick their pyjamas?" Inclusion fights jealousy.

Expect and tolerate some regression (thumb sucking, baby talk) — it's normal and temporary.

Name and validate: "You miss having me all to yourself. That's so understandable." Feeling understood reduces acting out.

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