What to do if my child is jealous of our newborn?

Here are some tips for dealing with a jealous older sibling:

Talk to your older child about their feelings: Acknowledge their jealousy and fears. Let them know it's okay to feel the way they do. Help them verbalize their feelings by saying things like, "I can see you're feeling jealous of the baby. It's okay to feel that way."

Spend quality time with your older child: Make sure your older child still feels loved and important. Set aside special time each day to spend one-on-one with them. Play their favorite games, read to them, or just cuddle up and chat.

Praise your older child's accomplishments: Let your older child know how proud you are of them. This can help boost their self-esteem and make them feel more secure in their place in the family.

Set clear expectations: Let your older child know what you expect of them in terms of helping out with the baby. This could include things like fetching diapers or helping to feed the baby. When they meet these expectations, be sure to praise them.

Don't compare your children: Avoid comparing your older child to the baby. This will only make them feel worse about themselves. Instead, focus on their individual strengths and talents.

Encourage them to help with the baby: Sometimes, involving older siblings in the care of a new baby can help reduce feelings of jealousy. Give your older child small, age-appropriate tasks that let them feel helpful, such as getting diapers or burping the baby.

Seek professional help if needed: If your older child's jealousy is severe or persistent, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a child psychologist or therapist.