by Nan Keltie

Created on: December 20, 2008   Last Updated: May 12, 2009

Just one week after our daughter's second birthday, she proudly clutched a photo of "baby Jason" in her chubby fist. Waving it around at church that morning, she chattered non-stop about him. The next day, Melissa was excited to help us settle her new little brother in his nursery at home.

Preparing your two-year-old ahead of time can help avoid a lot of tears, fears and last-minute stress. The following tips will help you prepare your two-year-old for bringing baby home:

Talking ~

Reminding two-year-olds that they were once babies is helpful. Tell your son how his arms and legs were very tiny, but they began to grow bigger. Explain to your daughter that you carried her a lot because she was too little to walk. Tell your son that he didn't talk for a long time, but he was a very good listener, and that listening is how we learn. Explain how your daughter liked to be held in your arms while you rocked and sang lullabyes.

Gently transition to talking about a new sibling, referring to "our new baby." This helps your child understand he/she is still included in your growing family. Talk about how tiny the baby will be and that it won't know how to walk or talk until it grows bigger and stronger. Explain how sleeping a lot helps babies grow.

Discuss how babies tell us they are sleepy or hungry or afraid. Tell your son he used to cry when he was little, and that's how you knew he was hungry or tired. This is a good time to explain that babies don't eat like we do. If you are going to nurse the baby, it's helpful to bring up the subject now and answer any questions your son or daughter has.

A new baby needs a lot of time and attention. Tell your two-year-old how proud you will be every time he helps out and shares mommy with the baby. Assure him there will be times the two of you will still do special things together that babies can't do - like baking cookies, reading books, playing games, etc.

Teaching ~

If you don't already have dolls in the house, purchase one that is soft and life-like. Show your son or daughter how the baby's head, arms and legs are floppy and tell him that "our" new baby will be like that, too. Explain how you will carry the baby and hold it until it has time to grow stronger.

Your two-year-old daughter is old enough to understand that something very special is inside her own head - a brain. Teach her this new word while pointing to your head and then to hers as you repeat the word "brain." Tell her you cannot see her brain and she

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>