My Three Sons Jun 05 '01 (Updated Sep 03 '05)    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Building Supplies MAGLITE MINI MAG/AA REPLACEMNT BULB From $2 Wing Enterprises 15125-002 Select Step Ladder 5'-8' From $190 The Bottom Line With parental guidance, siblings can grow up to be close. Getting your child involved during pregnancy, starts a beautiful relationship with siblings that can continue through the years. Rivalry between siblings is normal and inevitable. Children will learn a lot about each other and about themselves in rivalry. However, they also learn to care about one another. Although each child is different, there is always bound to be some sort of difficulty between siblings in one way or another. That's why it is so important for parents to start talking with their children early on, even during the second pregnancy. Before another child is born, parents should start giving their children the tools to cope with a new brother or sister in their lives. When a child is an only child, he believes that he is the center of the universe...as he should. There is usually instant gratification for him and his attention is not shared with anyone. He learns that if he communicates his needs to his parents, they will take care of him. There comes a time though, when a child needs to learn to "wait". Waiting involves realizing that there are other family members that are as important as he is. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 80% of children grow up with atleast one sibling. If your child learns to get along with his siblings at home, it will help set a pattern for how he will get along with others. Parents can help guide their child through the transition and prepare him for a new added family member. Below, are some suggestions that will help parents and children through these times. Prepare ahead of time by talking to your child about a new baby coming to live with them. Taking them to a Doctor's appointment to hear the babies heart beat is a good idea. Letting them feel the baby when he kicks inside your belly is an amazing experience for children. Going through old pictures and photo albums of when they were a baby will help them understand more clearly about babies. Telling them about feeding, changing diapers and crying babies will give them an idea of what to expect. This is also a good time to express how important it was when they came into the world and how they are still important in the family as an older child. Some hospitals now have classes for expectant siblings, so they can learn with other children what a new baby is like. Telling your child about their important role as a brother or sister is helpful. "One day, you can teach your brother how to catch a ball." Letting them know how they can help you and the baby by getting bottles or diapers makes a child feel needed. Double up on the gifts! Tell your friends that when they bring a gift for the new baby, to please bring a small gift for the older sibling. You can also prepare ahead of time and have gifts ready for a child, this makes them feel equally special. Balloons, crayons, paper, etc. are a few good ideas. Spreading the praise to all of your children is vital. When someone says, "What a beautiful baby".... parents could add, "She's beautiful like her sister," or "Now we have 2 wonderful children." Try to extend as many compliments to include your other children. It is important to recognize each individual child, no matter their ages. This helps build their self-esteem and realize how equally special they are in the family. It is impossible and unrealistic to give each child equal amounts of time. New babies require a lot of attention and maintenance. However, there are ways to share your time. Read a book with your toddler while you feed a baby. This is great for both children. Singing a song or listening to your child's favorite tape will help entertain him while you are busy with the baby. Also, asking Dad for trips to the park will help too. This is a great time for Dad to bond more with the older children while Mom is busy with the baby. Telling your children that you love them all in special ways helps to avoid the, "Who's your favorite" stage. Children who are supported by parents in different ways, have the best chance for learning respect, love and appreciation for their siblings. By valuing each child's individuality and learning their strengths, you can all support each other. With a little parental guidance, siblings can grow up to be close friends. Although we may have to handle a tantrum every now and then, children can learn to love and respect each other so that you can have a healthy and loving home.

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