Having a New Sibling Come Home Isn’t Easy
When a new sibling is added to the mix, an older sibling’s entire world is disrupted. In therapy at our Lower Manhattan offices, as well as our online therapy sessions, we talk with patients about how empathy and patience are key—both for the older sibling(s) struggling with their new role and for the parents’ added difficulty. We help parents find new ways to make older siblings feel heard and cared for, even though so much has changed.
Regression Is Normal For Sibling Adjustment
There are many different ways that siblings may react to a new baby, and regression is often one of them. Regression is normal in times of transition. You may notice your older child reverting to old comforts and (sometimes unhelpful) behaviors, which may be amplified by bringing a new sibling into the family. In therapy, we help parents find ways to approach regression with the right balance of tolerance and intervention.
Caring for Siblings Takes a Different Kind of Leadership
When you have one child, your leadership revolves around them. But with multiple children, you have a whole system that needs leadership. There’s no more just making it through the day: you need a plan. We’ll help you:
- Navigate concerning older sibling behavior
- Ensure older siblings feel heard
- Find a balance in helping siblings process their reactions while also setting boundaries
- Find ways for older siblings to connect with their new sibling
- Make time to spend individually with older siblings so their needs don’t become secondary
You have enough love for everyone. You want each child to know that they are loved for who they are—not just as part of a system—and we’ll help you get there.
Couples Need To Collaborate On Helping Siblings Adjust
Even though you already have kids, adding a new member to your family changes everything. In couples therapy, we help couples strengthen their co-parenting partnership, as well as get on the same page about helping their older children adjust, while still tending to their own relationship so it doesn’t get lost in the process.