Addressing sibling rivalry and your emotions
Sibling rivalryWhen you bring a new baby home, it's normal for older brothers and sisters to feel jealous or competitive. Here are some ways to address such feelings before they really disrupt the family:
- Bring a gift to the older siblings when the mother and newborn come home from the hospital.
- Spend some time with each child each day. This special attention by both the mother and father individually can quickly reduce the intensity of sibling rivalry.
- Involve older siblings in providing care for the new baby as their age and maturity allow.
Your emotionsAlthough having a baby can be a time of joy and optimism, many parents also feel overwhelmed and depressed -- even when they and their newborn are healthy.
Adjusting to life with your new baby involves dealing with...
- your emotions
- fatigue and other common problems of early parenthood
Neither mothers nor fathers should go through this experience alone. Seeking help from family, friends or professionals is not only okay, it is the best way to deal with many of the difficulties you will face in the first few weeks of parenting your new baby.
Learn more about coping during the postpartum period...
Support groups for pregnant and new parents Postpartum depression worksheet (requires Adobe Reader) Return to Vol. 2: At home with your new baby Your baby: Health, family life and more Children's Hospitals and Clinics: Parenting resources
Source: Childrens Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
First published: 05/03/2001
Last updated: 04/09/2007
Reviewed by: Jeffrey Nelson, MD, pediatrician, Allina Medical Clinic - Coon Rapids
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