How Do I Tell My 2Yo About New Arrival

Congrats on the new baby! My son was also 2 at the arrival of my second. I,too had the same fears. After allowing him to prep the baby's room, help buy things, reassurring him that I will need his help when the baby arrives. I bought a big brother book (not too interested). He liked the more hands on approach. I took him to a ceramic class ans had him pick out and make something for his brothers new room! Just be excited and constantly include him. I bought him a giftfor the day that the baby is born and comes home. Little things...don't go overboard. I let him hold the baby (w/ help of course) whenever he wanted. Two years later they are fantastic together still. They love one another and there has been no sign of jealousy on either end. Don't worry. God gave moms the specialgift of having enough love and time for everyone! Best of luck it will all be fine!

Start talking about it now. My son was 2 when I got pregnant w/ my daughter. We talked about "the baby" all the time. I think this is the reason we had no jealously issues....and he adores his sister now. I also involved him from the second she was born. He held her, held the bottle, brought diapers. He was my helper and we worked as a team. He is completely in love with her. Don't worry too much.....you may have some issues in the beginning...but it will work itself out and he'll have a sibling to share and play with...giving him a sibling is the best gift ever!!! Good luck. D.

When I was pregnant with my second, my oldest was 2 and I would take him with me to all of my appointments. He was able to hear the heartbeat and the doctors were great. He had a sense of "ownership" with the upcoming baby. When I had my third six years later, both of my older boys would come with me. They loved the ultrasounds and to this day still laugh about the alligator that was growing in me(the spinal cord looked like an alligator!!) Books, videos, helping set up the room, all of those things work great. A little at a time goes a long way. Too much will overwhelm them. Good Luck!!

Milford Hospital has a great sibling program. It's a couple of nights over a couple of weeks where they teach the kids how they can help mom with the baby. We also took a tour of the maternity ward and saw all the other babies and where mommy would be staying for a few days. They suggest you sign up later in the pregnancy but to be honest, your 2 year old won't really "get it" until later anyway. Good luck! And eat lots of green apples!

hi T., this is a tough situation. i would ask your son if he'd like a baby brother/sister. then i would explain how fun things could be and how important being a big brother is. in my opinion, being the older sibling comes with alot of resposibilty, yet at the same time it's very rewarding. i would also include him in everything leading up to the baby's arrival. good luck and congratulations T.!