Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

"Mommy, Mommy, I want to have a play date with Jessica today," your daughter says in a whiny voice while pulling at your brand-new, expensive shirt. "Today is not a good day; Mommy has to go to the doctor," you say. Your daughter drops to the ground, screaming and yelling right in front of the door. Not only are you embarrassed and feel like giving in, but you also realize in the long run that rewarding her for inappropriate behavior is not the answer. "Mommy told you not today, but if you are a good listener later and stop crying, then I will call Jessica's mom and you can play at her house very soon." Your daughter does not stop screaming, so you are forced to pick her up and place her in her car seat. You turn on the radio to drown out the yelling.

You call your husband and remind him you are bringing your daughter home. Daddy has a tendency to spoil his first-born angel. You tell him about the tantrum and that she needs to go to her room and cannot watch her favorite television program. At your doctor's appointment, you are thrilled to learn you're pregnant. Luckily, you are not showing yet, so you have time to prepare your child for a serious life adjustment.

There are very important tips that help with adjustment issues so that jealously becomes less of an issue. The faster you implement these suggestions, the more effective they become.