{"id":4896,"date":"2012-10-12T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-10-12T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/index.php\/2012\/10\/12\/when-the-first-born-becomes-the-older-sibling-childrens-books-to-help-with-the-transition\/"},"modified":"2023-08-16T20:51:04","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T20:51:04","slug":"when-the-first-born-becomes-the-older-sibling-childrens-books-to-help-with-the-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/when-the-first-born-becomes-the-older-sibling-childrens-books-to-help-with-the-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"When the first born becomes the older sibling: children's books to help with the transition"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\tBaby bookworm is in for a big change come January — she's becoming a big sister.<\/p>\n
\n\tDespite the fact that she REALLY (and I mean REALLY) wanted a little sister, a little brother<\/em> is on his way whether she likes it or not! I've gotten a few remarks from her like, "but I'm getting a sister, too" since breaking the news (um….that's a big nope), but she's slowly warming up to the idea.<\/p>\n \n\tIntroducing a new baby into a family can be an exciting time for parents, although a first born child may not see it that way. New baby news can signal lots of mixed emotions which can often result in a display of not-so-pleasant behaviors (e.g., tantrums, clinginess, or regression such as potty accidents or thumb sucking). We have gotten a little bit of this in our household, already — and still have a few months to go.<\/p>\n \n\tBooks, however, are a fantastic way to help children with life changes and events such as this one. I wanted to find some books to read with baby bookworm that not only focused on the "I'm a proud big sister" theme, but that incorporated these important ideas:<\/p>\n \n\tI managed to find some really cute books that encompassed all of these ideas. Check them out:<\/p>\n \n\t<\/a><\/p>\n \n\t<\/a> \n\t \tBaby Knows Best<\/i><\/b> <\/span>by Emily Henderson and illustrated by Brita Granstrom is a book that will show an older sibling how babies act – which is peculiar at times! Babies eat the newspaper, play with daddy's keys, and like to be naked. But most of all, babies like to snuggle. This book is a cute way to let big sister or brother know what to expect from babies.<\/p>\n \t<\/a><\/p>\n \tWaiting for Baby<\/i> <\/strong><\/span>shows the experiences a sibling-to-be will have while "waiting for baby"…from watching mommy's growing belly, to check-ups for the baby, to picking out new clothes. It shows how a big sister or brother will be involved in the process, <\/i>and that there's lots to do before baby arrives.<\/p>\n \t<\/p>\n \t<\/a>Arthur's Baby<\/b><\/i> <\/span>by Marc Brown is about Arthur's experience when his new sister baby Kate arrives. This book provides a great opportunity to discuss with your child what will be happening as the date approaches for the baby to be born, and how things might change once the baby is here. It shows how Arthur's parents announce the pregnancy to the family, how they prepare, how Arthur's grandmother comes to help out while his mother is in the hospital, and how baby Kate behaves (and Arthur deals) once she's home. An all around great portrayal of what a family might be going through during this exciting time.<\/p>\n \tI'm also going to check out these books which have been recommended to me by friends and readers:<\/p>\n \tI'm a Big Sister<\/i><\/a> by Joanna Cole \tAside from reading books, we are going to try out these ideas too to help with the transition:<\/p>\n \n\t\n\tImportant ideas<\/h3>\n
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\n\tRecommended books<\/h3>\n
\n\tWe Have a Baby <\/i><\/b><\/span>by Cathryn Falwell shows all the things a family does with a new baby, with the most important being "to love" him. It's a simply worded book that would resonate with a young toddler who is eagerly awaiting little sis or brother. The book also shows a child that a baby needs to be taken care of by everyone.<\/div>\n
\n\t<\/a>Finn Throws a Fit!, <\/i><\/b><\/span>A book by David Elliott and illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering, <\/i><\/b>i<\/span>sn't your typical "big sibling" book, but it portrays the "joy" of having a little one. What it will show to a soon-to-be big sister or brother is that often times babies cry…A LOT…and for no reason. But eventually, everything goes back to normal. Finn Throws a Fit<\/i> is a humorous and enjoyable look at baby behavior.<\/div>\n
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\n\tOn Mother's Lap<\/i><\/a> by Ann Herbert Scott
\n\tBaby On the Way<\/i><\/a> by Dr. Sears
\n\tWhat Baby Needs<\/i><\/a> by Dr. Sears
\n\tMy Heart is a Magic House<\/i><\/a> by Julie Jacobs<\/p>\n\n