Welcoming an additional child into the family

Congratulations on welcoming an additional child into your family!

This journey of expanding your family is filled with joy and love, but it's also completely natural to experience emotions and adjustments along the way. As you embrace this new chapter, remember that adaptation takes time and it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Let's explore some practical ways to support your older child and the newborn during this period of change and growth, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved Everyone is going through an adjustment now, and adaptation can be quite moving. I love to treat the addition of a new baby to the family like when sitting on a bench, and someone joins in. Everyone needs to move a bit, and at first, it might not be comfortable. Rational explanations, as you saw, may not be effective; the change needs to be emotionally recorded. This adaptation often involves tears, as that's how our minds work. Tears release emotions and even toxins, so try not to be alarmed by his crying or that he's "being a crybaby." Provide him with space for tears and offer comfort and hugs. It will make it easier for him to adjust to the change. It's natural for him to seek more control as his whole world has changed overnight! Practical suggestions:

1. Emphasize what remains unchanged, like reading the bedtime story or maintaining other anchors. 2. Bridge every separation for him, whether before daycare or at night. The idea behind bridging is to keep drawing his attention to the ongoing connection between you. He is experiencing a sort of separation from you now, which is why he clings. Bridging can help him stay connected: "We'll meet after daycare," or "We'll meet in the morning." 3. Give him a little daily time of his own, around 10 minutes. 4. Provide a safe space for tears. As mentioned earlier, they are crucial for his adaptation to the new reality and for keeping his heart tender. It's okay to cry; it doesn't make him a "baby" or a "crybaby."

Even a bit after birth, with all the physical, emotional, and hormonal upheaval, it's both joyous and not easy when a new baby enters the family. Take care of yourself and seek help and a safe place for tears—adaptation happens to you too.