Advice for parents A new baby brings changes for everyone in the family There is always a lot to think about and do in preparation for a new arrival Managing older siblings feelings of excitement and worry can add to that list It’s natural for your child to have a wide range of thoughts emotions and feelings surrounding the mysterious new person about to drop into their lives These emotions can be hard for children to handle because they trigger bodily responses that a child hasn’t yet learned to recognize and regulate In response to the news of a new baby your child may feel excited overwhelmed jealous or confused or all of these things at once As they try to interpret these feelings your child may act differently seeming sad withdrawn clingy more angry or anxious for a while Children often find it difficult to put their feelings into words so it can be up to you to recognize and interpret their emotions If you notice your child is acting differently this can be a good opportunity for you to talk to them about the upcoming changes and how they feel about them
They will learn that they don’t have to face worries alone and that you are there to support them through tricky times If you continue to feel worried about how your child is coping with the new baby speak to your pediatrician or there are lots of counselors and therapists who deal with children’s emotions Always make sure anyone you consult is registered with a recognized professional body Dr Sharie Coombes This book is a tool to help you talk about these forthcoming changes reassure your child and look forward to the new baby together The story in Noah and the New Baby affirms your child’s importance to you and the new baby It prompts your child to use their imagination to help them understand the complicated mix of emotions they feel And it helps them feel secure and confident that you will always love them unconditionally even when the baby arrives Understanding these things will help your child’s mind and body to relax and will soothe their brain’s chemical response to upsetting thoughts making them calmer more resilient and more at ease with the changes happening around them Taking the time to read this book with your child and to talk about their feelings will help them to feel listened to understood and safe
