Many children tend to have jealousy issues when a newborn is brought into the family. They do not understand why all the attention that was once shining only on them is now distributed to another person in the family. They are not used to the change, and do not particularly enjoy the fact of not being the one where the attention is centered at.

They must learn how to share with their new baby brother or sister, and a lot of times, that can be a tough reality check for your young one. That is why it is important to prepare your older sibling for when that day comes. Let them know that they will soon have to act like a big boy or girl and help you take care of the little one coming into your lives. Giving them a responsibility to help will aid them with maturing and coping with the newborn. It may not sound like a big deal, but to them it is.

It also helps them to feel like a bit more attention is being paid to them because you are asking them a favor. Trust me, it works. A few responsibilities you can entrust your older child with could include helping to feed their baby brother or sister, holding the newborn for you, or playing nicely with them. You will see much improvement on the behavior and mood of your older child as soon as they begin to enjoy being the older sibling, and not feel like the baby stole their spotlight.