What is a recommended approach to facilitating siblings' adjustment at home?

• A. Provide opportunities for older children to participate in care within their ability.
• B. Exclude siblings to prevent jealousy.
• C. Force older children to help with feeds.
• D. Try to ignore siblings' feelings.

Answer: (A)

Involve siblings in the process of welcoming the new baby by giving the older child age-appropriate opportunities to help with care. When older children participate within their ability, they feel included and valuable, which helps them view the new baby as a member of the family rather than a threat to their relationship with the parent. This shared involvement supports smoother transitions, promotes bonding between siblings, and reduces jealousy or resentment that can arise with a new baby.

Excluding siblings can create distance and hurt feelings, forcing the older child to help with feeds can place undue pressure and may backfire if they’re not ready for that level of responsibility, and ignoring siblings’ feelings leaves them unvalidated and more prone to acting out.