Tips for Helping to Prevent Sibling Rivalry Between a Toddler and Infant

Having a toddler and an infant can be tough enough but what happens when the toddler starts showing signs of sibling rivalry? It is common for a toddler to act out towards their infant sibling since they are use to getting all of mom and dad’s attention. While sibling rivalry is common it can also put the infant in a potentially dangerous situation if left unchecked. Here are some great tips for helping to prevent sibling rivalry between your infant and toddler.

Make It Safe For Your Toddler To Voice Their Feelings

It can be rough for a toddler to communicate with their parents about their feelings. You can make it easier for your toddler to express his or her feelings by setting the stage for them, and letting them know that their feelings are normal. You can do this by saying things to them like “Sometimes I get upset when the baby cries and I don’t know what they need.” Or “It’s hard not to get mad when little brother/sister gets into my stuff but I know they are just learning how to act.” By mirroring the same feelings that your toddler is feeling you are not only giving him an opening for them to share their own feelings but you are also showing them by example how to deal with these feelings appropriately, as well as letting them know that their feelings are completely natural.

Give Your Toddler Special Jobs/Privileges

Help your toddler feel special by giving him special jobs and privileges because he is growing up. Let him help you with jobs, stay up an extra ten minutes, or any kind of special treat that makes him feel special about being the oldest child.

At the same time don’t force them to be the “oldest” or the “helper” if they do not want to. This may mean you need to adjust your expectations of your toddler. If they want to crawl into your lap while you are nursing let them, make sure that they feel that they are still as welcome to you as they have always been.

Sharing a Room

Moving a new baby into your toddler’s existing room can seem like a horrible intrusion to your toddler. At this point your toddler may feel like not only are they having to share your attention but now has to share “their” space with the baby.

To help make sharing a room more bearable for your toddler it is important to make the transition as smooth as possible for your toddler. As soon as you know you will be moving the new baby into your toddler’s room start introducing your toddler to the idea. If at all possible put the infant’s crib into your toddler’s room as soon as possible to help them picture the infant moving into their room. Also stop referring to the room as strictly the toddlers room and start referring to it as a shared room.


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