It's thrilling to welcome a new baby into the family, but it can also be a very stressful and worrying time for both parents and kids. Although it's impossible to know in advance how your older child will react to their new baby brother or sister, having big emotions can be very common. It is normal for children to feel a little jealous when the family dynamics change. Older siblings may act out, possibly making the transition a little more challenging. As a result, it is essential to make the change as easy as possible by preparing your child beforehand and including them in the process. Here are some practical suggestions to help your child adjust to a new sibling: Be patient and give it time. Much like any adjustment, remember that the process of accepting a new sibling takes time. Your elder child will ultimately adjust with your acceptance and support. Involve your child in the planning process. Include your child in the practical preparations for the new baby such as decorating the room and purchasing baby supplies. Establish a ritual. Try to spend one-on-one quality time with your child. Start the ritual before the baby is born and keep it a routine till after the baby arrives. Read stories about babies. Stories can facilitate a conversation about how your family is growing and about your older child’s new role. Give your child reassurance. Talk to them about their worries and assure them. Let them know that they will always be important, they will always be loved, and how that won’t change after the baby is born. Give them roles. Give your older child some responsibilities to help with the baby around the house. Praise them when they are loving and compassionate around the baby. Click here for additional resources.

By Jessica Chamoun, Intervention Specialist The holiday season is a time for joy and celebrations. However, for many children, the changes in routine may elicit anxiety and stress. The holidays can also cause overstimulation in children, who may feel overwhelmed by all the various events taking place. Parents may see increased meltdowns, withdrawal from activities, or even changes in behavior, and children may need extra support during this busy time of the year. Here are some ways you can support your child’s mental health during the holiday season: Keep routines. With exception to special occasions, such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, try to keep routines as consistent as possible. Strive to maintain eating and sleeping schedules like those your child follows during the rest of the school year. Limit screen time and social media. Before the start of the holidays, establish rules regarding when and how your child can use screens during the break. Set limits on how much screen time your child can have access to throughout the day. With vacation downtime, it can be easy for children to fall into the habit of using their screens more frequently. Get outside. Plan outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. This can help minimize screen time, foster more family time, and create meaningful experiences and memories. Encourage downtime. Scheduling quiet time for your child can reduce overwhelming feelings. Ensure that your child has time to relax and unwind by reading, listening to music, or even engaging in calming activities. Practice gratitude. Have your child focus on the positives in their lives by practicing gratitude. Encourage them to notice and write about the things they are thankful for this holiday season. Gratitude charts or Gratitude jars are great activities that can be used at home to help your child express gratitude and promote family discussions about what you are grateful for (click on the gratitude links for resources). Click here for additional resources.