A New Baby at Koko Bear's House. Vicki Lansky

      Table of Contents

       Title Page

       Introduction

      

       Read more helpful parenting advice in these other Vicki Lansky books:

       Copyright Page

       Introduction

       The arrival of a new baby at your house is a major event and one that will have a strong impact on your older child(ren). We all worry about how the older child will react and how we can help him or her adjust. This new baby will change the older child’s position in the family and be a competitor for love and attention. Through all this, we must work to keep our child’s self-esteem intact.

       One way you can help is by letting your child know what to expect. With that in mind, this story of the arrival of a new baby in KoKo Bear’s family will guide your child through the key stages of your pregnancy, delivery, and homecoming.

       To help you make this a smooth transition, there are tips and suggestions for parents on every page. You can skim these silently while you and your child read about KoKo. For more detailed material and additional tips, you may wish to refer to my companion book, Practical Parenting WELCOMING YOUR SECOND BABY.

       While it will be necessary to give your older child extra love and attention and to make time for your marital relationship, don’t make the mistake of not taking care of that necessary and very important person—YOU!

       Sincerely,

      One morning MaMa Bear has good news to share. “KoKo,” she says, “there is going to be a new baby at our house.”

      “For me?” asks KoKo happily.

      “The baby will be for all of us,” says PaPa Bear.

      “When will the baby come?” asks KoKo.

      MaMa Bear smiles and says, “Our new baby will be born when the flowers are blooming again, KoKo.”

      • Don’t introduce the idea of a new baby too soon if your child is very young. Nine months can be too long to understand. Save most of your preparations far closer to your due date.

      • Speak of the baby as “ours,” not as “mine” or your child’s.

      • Tie your due date to an event rather than a month. “After Christmas, ” or “when the snow disappears” are easier concepts for a child to understand.

      MaMa Bear feels very different today. “PaPa,” she says, “I think it is time for our baby to be born. We must hurry to the hospital.”

      PaPa calls Penny Panda, who comes right over.

      MaMa kisses KoKo good-bye.

      “KoKo, be a good bear for Penny. I’ll be back soon,” says PaPa Bear as he and MaMa leave.

      KoKo and Penny wave good-bye to them.

      • Let your child help you pack your hospital bag in advance and think of things to put in it. Include a picture of him or her and a drawing to help decorate your room.

      • Practice using the telephone with your child. This skill will be important when you are at the hospital and accessible only by phone.