All sorts of questions arise: How do we tell our children that they are going to have a little brother or sister? Will they be jealous of the newborn? How can we help them get along?

Children react differently depending on their age.

Knowing what to expect for each age group will make it easier to manage changes in your family.

Toddlers - 1 to 2 years old

Children this age won't understand much about what it means to have a new sibling. However, let your child hear you talk about the "new baby" and feel your excitement. He may not understand why you're excited, but your attitude will rub off on him and he'll feel excited too.

Keep in mind that you may not be able to meet the needs of both children all the time, especially not on your own. If you feel overwhelmed, ask your partner, other family members, or friends for support and extra support.

• Look at pictures or videos of babies. At the very least, your child will become familiar with words like "sister," "brother," and "baby."
  
  
• When the baby arrives, try to do something special for your older child. Reassure him that he is still loved. For example, give him a special gift, let him spend time alone with his father, grandmother or another adult close to him, take him to a special place, etc.

Preschoolers - 2 to 4 years old

At this age, your child is still very attached to you and doesn't yet understand how to share you with others. He or she may also be very sensitive to change and feel threatened by the idea of ​​a new family member. Here are some suggestions that can help your preschooler become a big brother or sister.

• Wait a while before telling your older child about the baby. Tell him or her when you start buying baby furniture or clothes or if he or she starts asking questions about mom's growing "belly." Children's picture books can be very helpful. So can classes for siblings (ask your maternity ward or midwife if they offer these). Try to tell your child the news before he or she finds out from someone else.
  
  
• Be honest. Explain that the baby will be cute and cuddly, but that he or she will also cry and require a lot of your time and attention. Also, make sure your older child knows that it may be a while before he or she can play with the baby. Reassure your child that you will love him or her just as much after the baby is born.
  
  
• Involve your older child in the preparations for the baby. This will help to reduce jealousy. Let him or her go shopping with you for baby items. Show him or her his or her own baby pictures. If you plan to use some of his or her old baby items, let him or her play with them a bit before you prepare them for the new baby. Buy your child (boy or girl) a doll so that he or she can take care of "his or her" baby.
  
  
• Plan for major changes in your child's routine. If you can, complete potty training or transitioning from crib to bed before the baby arrives. If that's not possible, postpone these changes until the baby is settled in at home. Otherwise, your child may feel overwhelmed by learning new things on top of all the changes the baby brings.
  
  
• Expect your child to regress a little. For example, your child who knows how to go to the toilet might suddenly have "accidents" or want to take the bottle. This is normal and it's your older child's way of making sure he still has your love and attention. Instead of telling him to act like a child his age, let him get the attention he needs. Praise him when he acts like a big kid.
  
  
• Prepare him for your departure to the maternity ward. He may be disoriented when you leave for the hospital. Explain to him that you will be back with baby in a few days.
  
  
• Set aside special time with your older child. Read, play, listen to music, or just talk together. Show him that you love him and want to do things with him. Also, make him feel part of life by having him snuggle up to you when you feed your baby.
  
  
• Ask your family and friends to spend some time with your older child when they come to see the baby. This will help him feel special and not left out of all the excitement. They can also give him a small gift when they bring gifts for the baby.
  
  
• Ask your older child to spend time with his dad. A new baby is a great opportunity for dads to spend some one-on-one time with their children.

School-age children - 5 years and up

Children over the age of 5 are generally not as affected by the arrival of a new baby. However, they may feel resentful about the attention the new baby receives. To prepare your child for the arrival of a new baby,

• Explain what is happening to him in language he can understand. Explain what the arrival of a new baby means and what changes may affect him, both good and bad.
  
  
• Ask your older child to help prepare for the baby by setting up the nursery, choosing clothes, or buying diapers.
  
  
• If possible, have your older child come to the maternity ward soon after the baby is born so that he or she feels part of the growing family.
  
  
• When the new baby comes home , make your older child feel like he has a role in caring for the baby. Tell him he can hold the baby, but he must ask you first. Praise him when he is gentle and affectionate with the baby.
  
  
• Don't neglect your older child's needs and activities . Let him know how much you love him. Make an effort to spend some time alone with him each day; take advantage of this time to remind him how special he is.