When i had my 1st child, everything evolved around her. As a mum, i wanted to give her a chance of growing up with a sibling as this was a bond that was unique, related by blood and a very special relationship. Very soon our 2nd princess was born.It was Perfect. My elder girl will never be lonely again while playing and disciplinary actions such as sharing and caring for others were not only restricted to school where children are angels in school and become terrors at home.On the other hand, i was anxious and worried whether my elder girl could cope with someone who will soon to share with her the attention, the toys and her time with us. I seek friends' advice and also research around to help my girl cope better as she welcomes her sister . I tried some methods and found them to be effective. Some of the tips are shared by my friends .

These are 10 ways what you can do to help your elder child cope better with the arrival of your newborn.

TOP 10 TIPS

1. Prepare a sibling gift for your newborn. Ask the elder child to give this present to the baby when he is born. This signifies that the elder child welcomes and accepts his sibling
   
2. Allow your elder child to be involved when you are expecting ( e.g doing up the baby's room, arranging the baby clothes , toys etc)
   
3. Talk to your child about your pregnancy. Tell him he was once a baby and now he is grown up. Share with him that he is going to have a younger sibling
   
4. Reassure your child that mummy will still love him the way it was and nothing is going to change that.
   
5. Borrow books from the library about sibling love. Read and explain to your child.
   
6. Bring your child along when you go for your ultrascans. ( my daughter was amazed when she saw her sister moving in the womb)
   
7. When your newborn is born, get him involve to help to bring the diaper, the wet wipes and he is welcome be around the baby ( a lot of parents make a simple mistake that is to ask the elder child not to be near to the baby in fear that he may hurt the baby. Remember your child may thinks that mummy does not love him anymore)
   
8. If you are a breastfeeding mum, allow your child to see and be in the same room while you are breastfeeding. This helps to strengthen the bond between your child and the baby and also your bonding with him. (i found that when i did this, my girl was more acceptance of her sister because she was reassured that mummy is still giving her the attention )
   
9. Try to keep routines the same with your elder child after your newborn is born. This will help your child to ease the transition.
   
10. Talk to your hubby and your parents in law (family members) not to neglect your elder child when the newborn arrives. ( many adult tends to be overwhelmed with the baby and indirectly neglects the other child). Spend as much time with the elder child, still giving him the attention as before.

I hope through these 10 simple tips, your child will cope better when their sibling comes along. Remember every child reacts differently and some may adjust faster to a new playmate. Other may have total resistance. Do not give up or blame yourself . Allow more time for your child to adjust as this is only a passing phrase. My daughter took some time to accept her sister but eventually and amazing it worked out.

if you have any tips you like to share, do leave it at the comments box below.