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There is rarely something more anticipated than watching your child respond to their newest little brother or sister. Will they be excited? Will they struggle to communicate feelings of sadness or jealousy? Surely every child responds to becoming an older sibling a little differently: and there are various seasons of adjustment for the child. At first the child may be wary of the new baby, feeling anxious when the baby cries or has constant needs that overlap the older child’s time with mom and dad. With time, consistency and with the younger child’s development, the older sibling’s feelings can decrease in their intensity and when the baby finally offers a first smile at him or her, many of us watch our older children fall in love. Inversely, the older child may be positively charmed at first sight, but with weeks that ware on, reality hits him and halts the lovey-dovey exchanges. Regardless of how those first few months go, there is nothing like siblings developing a life-long bond, no matter how our children come to us. Depending on our children’s ages when they become big brothers or sisters, there are many things parents can do to help with the transition. No matter the child’s age, devoting time and conversations with our children to help them prepare for a new sibling is vital. Click here to read more about preparing your child for a new addition, even if it comes through the more complicated process of adoption.