How can I get my older child to help her younger...

How can I get my older child to help her younger sister out?

Children learn by example, and if you are helpful to others, then it’s likely that your child will emulate that behaviour. It helps if you make a point of praising your child when she does something helpful for someone else.

That having been said, a two year old, or even an older preschooler, is unlikely to be very happy about the arrival of a new baby. Sibling rivalry is a reality for many families, and it can take time for an older sibling to develop the urge to help out.

It’s important that when your older child shows an interest in helping with your new baby, you let her. Allow her to bring you items when you are changing or bathing your baby, and make sure that you heap praise on her for her helpfulness. This will help your child to feel like a valuable member of the family, and hopefully encourage more helpfulness.

Another good idea is to make a point of pointing out when your baby smiles at your older child. Tell her that she’s made the baby happy – most children will love this sort of reaction, and try to make it happen again.

Patience is key when you’re dealing with sibling issues. You want to make it clear to your older child that the new baby is also a part of the family, but that you still love her just as much. Try to make time to spend with your older just – when just the two of you can play or read books. You can even invest in books on families with new babies that will help your child to realise that she is not alone, and that being a big sister is a special thing. Alternatively, you could use family pictures, or snaps of your older child helping out to make your own book about how to be a good older sibling.

Don’t forget that at two, a child is just out of the baby years herself, and it’s not realistic to expect her to handle things in a grown up manner. Exercise patience, and divide your time equally, and you should avoid any jealousy issues.

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