Big Brother Gift for Teenager Who Will Soon Have a Baby Brother

Noise blocking headphones to use with their iPod or stero if it's the parents or new sibling. As a cutsie gift I'd give some earplugs with a new baby gift.

Wow, what a great idea! I do not think it is necessary, but very thoughtful.

How about a new digital camera or digital video camera? He can become the official family photographer and it will be great for when he leaves for college soon too.

I'd suggest a basket of useful things... both to aid his sleep, get him out of the house, ease his transition in school, and make them feel welcome/part of.

- Drummers ear plugs (about $10) ... you can still hear through them, but they eliminate high and low frequencies aka perfect for muting sudden middle o'the'night screaming, but still hear an alarm clock
- Movie tickets (or movie pass card) for time away from the house / peace and quiet
- A note to his teachers (knowing that a student is half asleep in class because of a new baby instead of typical teenager stuff makes a BIG difference to most teachers)
- 1 on 1 card (to be used as many times as wanted)... to let mum or dad know that they'd like to spend some time with a parent with that parent's full attention
- Something personal/familial... whether that's asking them to draw/paint/tag a picture for the baby's room... or make up a CD of lullabies... or getting a photo of older and younger... or having them be photographer... whatever older sib's talents & interests lie in, getting him to be a part of
- Redo your room certificate (if baby's room is being painted... how about sibs?)

I'd also suggest ASKING him if there's anything he thinks might make the whole transition easier for him. You might be surprised at his responses. <laughing> You may also leave that openended... so that he can come to you on week 2, and make a request.

I had a baby this summer when my boys were 11 and 14. I thought they were plenty old enough to deal with the transition without a gift or book. I have made sure to keep giving them love and hugs, check in with them frequently, thank them when they help with the baby, and try to get some 1:1 time with them. Good luck and congratulations!

I would write him a letter about how much he means to you and what his role as a big brother means to you. You may want to share your own fears about how the family dynamics will change. For me, a gift of monetary value doesn't send the message I would want him to receive, rather, expressing his importance in the family now and to come would be something he could always treasure.

Just my thoughts: )
Jen

I don't think a gift is necessary. my older 2 kids just enjoyed being a part of the experience, holding their new brother and doing things for him to help me out. congratulations on your new little one.
S.

i don't really think a gift to help the first child adjust is really appropriate when the first child is a teenager. he/she should be quite able to adjust and understand what's going on without special presents to assure they don't feel excluded. however, a congratulations gift would be a good idea if you want to go that route. maybe an ipod or something to drown out those cries lol. just kidding! but this teen is going to be a big part of this baby's life so maybe there is a book out there, something about being a much older sibling, and helping out with the baby and stuff. i would search amazon. or even just a card with a gift card, saying congrats, treat yourself. just a thought!

I had a 15 year old and then a new baby as well.....he didn't want anything. Honestly, earplugs and his own room- that's it. And don't forget to continue giving him the gift of your time....perhaps ask him if he'd like to go to the hospital with you for the birth. Just continue to be there for him.

I think we're assuming this will be the first sibling for your teenager. Have you asked your son what he might like? You've already had some good suggestions and mine is to agree that some of those things might be appropriate, but whatever you do, be sure it's something that will help him with the transition and to bond with the new baby. My guess is that when he sees his new brother, there will not be any problem other than that Mom and Dad may find they have a bit of trouble getting to have time with the little guy because big brother will be so enamored of him... until he has a dirty diaper, spits up, or starts crying at least.

this one is dear because we did it several x's with 5 children. This is a special moment to show love to the older child and make them feel like the baby is his friend nota threat. My 12 year old was put in charge of the baby book, another got to help pick a name, another was in charge of organizing the bedroom the way he wanted it- infact he put his bed in with the baby so he could be the 1st one he saw in the morn., and another child who liked to read had a boolshelf installed with books to read to the baby. It was a riot to see the play pen in the dugout for Little League practice so the little one was near his brother--helped that Dad was the coach!But the thing that we all cherish the most is the formal picture we had taken with the older children holding the newborn that still hangs 20 years later. This is a special time to bond the relationship that they can have the rest of their lives. I so enjoy hearing howthey as adults and teens go out and do things together becasue theyare friends not just brothers. Good Luck, Nana Glenda

I started to respond to this, but Riley's response is almost identical to my initial thoughts! Great minds. :o) I would also add in the letter idea that J. L. suggested. I know all of this seems much more complicated and costly than a small book or toy, but teenagers are generally more complicated and costly than toddlers. :o) I think your teen will really appreciate the thought and effort you put in, especially since they are probably feeling a little overshadowed by the impending birth at this point.
Good luck in your continuing adventure!

Dear S.,
My very first thought was EARPLUGS!!!
My kids are 10 years apart and my daughter was so excited, she considered her baby brother her present. She was so sweet, she thanked me all the time for giving her a brother.
I wouldn't have chosen to have my kids so far apart, but it worked out so wonderfully that I wouldn't change it at all, even if I could. She was the only child for a long time but never had any jealousy or anything. My kids and I were the 3 Musketeers, we did everything together.
I don't see anything wrong with giving your older child a present, but the main thing is to talk about their feelings and ask what concerns they may have or if they're worried about certain things changing. With an older child, you have the benefit of communication as opposed to a much younger child who can't really express things verbally. Just be sure to have as much one on one time as possible and tell them happy things about how much you loved this or that when they were a baby. All kids love hearing those things.
My friend had a surprise baby when her only child was 14. He is so in love with his little sister, plays with her, spoils her, walks her around showing her off.
The great thing about older siblings is that they don't have to compete for anything on the same level as the new baby. He's not going to want to sit on your lap and nurse or be upset because the baby gets a teething ring or bottle and he doesn't. The difference will be that you will have less time than before, at least until you get the new baby figured out.
I would get your son a gift certificate for the mall to be spent on something he wants and take him out for a nice lunch and/or movie, just the two of you. Make it special and let him know you understand things will change but he is and always will be, your first baby and you love him to pieces.
That will never change.

I wish you the best. Congratulations on the addition to your family!

Nothing, I feel the new baby is a gift

Depending upon his age: I say a giftcard to his favorite clothing store for a nominal amount and write: From baby brother. Also make an iron-on T-shirt that says Big Brother.

I would say a "Get Out of Babysitting Free" card or two. You don't want your teen to feel like his life is suddenly only as a built in babysitter, but you also want to be able to trust that he/she will care for his baby sibling when asked. My brothers are quite a bit older than me, and my mom said she used to pay them to babysit if they turned down other plans, but not if they were going to be home anyway.

Just let them help with the baby if they want too. dont be so nervous that they might drop the baby. They will appreciate the respect and it will make them feel proud!! but you should not try and make them do more than they are comfortable with