August 27, 2001

FAMILY MATTERS:
A big transition: New baby and school
___We are expecting a baby in September, and our 5-year-old will enter kindergarten. How can we help our daughter adjust to a baby as well as going to school?

___You are wise to realize both events can be emotional. H

KAY TOWERS Program Coordinator LifeWay Fellowship, Killeen

aving a new baby is an exciting time for parents, but it can be a difficult adjustment for some siblings. Some things to consider before the baby arrives:
___ Allow your child to help pick out things for the baby or the baby's room.
___ Talk about baby names.
___ Look at pictures of when your daughter was a baby and tell her what she was like then.
___ Discuss what to expect when the baby comes home from the hospital. Teach her how to hold a new baby using a doll.
___ Help her realize your love for her will not change with the addition of a brother or sister.
___ Assure her you still will have time for her.
___ Read books about having a new baby.
___ Prepare small gifts for her to have while you are in the hospital. Also, set aside some gifts for her to receive when friends bring gifts for the baby.
___ Let her visit the hospital ahead of time so she will know where you will be and then assure her she will be able to visit you in the hospital.
___ Visit some of her friends who have younger siblings. Let her see how their families interact.
___Beginning kindergarten also is a big step. Some children have separation anxiety about leaving mom even when a baby is not in the home. Visit the school ahead of time. Talk about what your daughter will experience at school. Most schools have a time to meet the teacher. Make sure your daughter realizes even though you will be taking care of the baby while she is in school, you will be thinking about her and praying for her. Let her know you will be excited to hear about her day when she gets home each afternoon. Have a snack together as she shares about the day. This can be a special time.
___Both of these situations can be stressful but should be times of rejoicing as well. Allow your daughter to participate in a family prayer time. Remember to thank God for your daughter's new school, her classmates and her teacher. Thank him for the baby who will become part of your family. As you pray together daily for these two events, ask God for guidance, sensitivity and comfort for each family member.
___

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