To children, pregnancy might be a foreign concept they will not easily understand. Thus, the idea of having a new sibling must be compounded with more than one conversation, especially if they are still not old enough to grasp that there is a baby growing inside mommy's belly.
In addressing a mother's pregnancy, it's usually the pre-school-age kids who will have plenty of questions. They will also likely be the most upset sibling who might not warm up to the idea of a baby unless their parents explain this in a good way.
So, how can parents handle telling their kids that mommy is pregnant and the family is expanding?
Here are six ways:
1. Use a fetal doppler.
A fetal doppler is a home device that can detect the baby's heartbeat and could be attached to a speaker so the parents and the siblings can hear her beating heart. Listening to this sound may be an exciting way to introduce the baby in the womb to an older sister or brother. The heartbeat is the most concrete proof that mommy really has a tiny human growing inside her.
If the child is old enough, take out the 4-D ultrasound of mommy's first visit to the doctor as well. Curious kids will always be amazed at this, especially if it's their first time to see one.
Later, bring your child to the doctor's office for one of the next prenatal check-ups. It will be a moment they will remember forever.
2. Write a letter.
Some moms write a letter to their eldest child before the arrival of a baby sibling, such as this heartfelt piece from Electric Mommy. In her letter, she described how having her firstborn changed her life for the better and she also told her daughter she's excited to see her "grow into the role of a big sister."
For some parents, however, the letter might even come from "the new baby," which will likely appeal more to a sibling in the toddler or pre-school age, or a teenager who would appreciate the sweet humor in it.
3. Play with puzzles.
There are loads of beautiful pregnancy announcement puzzles on Etsy that may be customized and personalized for the siblings. Don't forget to capture videos of how they are putting together the puzzle pieces to document this special moment for the rest of their lives.
4. Gift a "big siblings" book.
A lovely way to tell the kids that mommy is pregnant is through a story and there are plenty of big siblings books in the market that will cater to every family. These books are also educational for the children. It could also be used as a talking point if the older siblings have questions about the baby news.
5. Go to the zoo.
The zoo can be a fun backdrop to start the baby discussion with the children. Parents can open with topics about baby ducks or baby giraffes and use this as the jumping point to the actual conversation: their baby sibling.
6. Watch a kids' program about meeting the new baby.
Your child's favorite TV program might have episodes about meeting the new baby. "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" has a popular story, titled "Meet the New Baby," from years ago that is still a hit with kids today. There are also plenty of age-appropriate video explainers on YouTube about becoming a big brother or sister that are equally entertaining.
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