Tips if you have older siblings

Before the babies arrive:
- Share your pregnancy either when they start asking questions or about a month before you're due, depending upon age.
- Let them "feel" the babies move.
- Let them listen to the heartbeats.
- Show them pictures of the babies developments.
- Try to have the child in an activity away from you and with other children their age prior to babies arrival.
- Expose your child to others with babies.
- Make the preganancy a natural, positive, family event. Watch the comments that are made in a negative way (i.e. "Oh no, twins" or "Double trouble")
- Try to turn them into positive things (i.e. "Yes, it's twins, but twice the love!") - Take the child on a "hospital tour" so he/she will know where you are.
- Talk with your child; allow them to share their feelings both negative and positive.

After the babies arrive and are brought home:
- Let them "hold" the babies. - Ask the child if he wants to help mom/dad get things (such as toys, diapers, bottles, etc) and accept "no" if it is given.
- Take the older child alone for an outing.
- Take "family walks" letting the older child take charge (i.e. pushing the stroller, answering the questions strangers ask, etc.)
- When taking pictures, be sure to include picture taking of the older sibling, too.
- Alert relatives and friends to give the older child special attention also. A small gift for him/her brought along with gifts to the babies will do wonders.
- Allow older children to maintain outside activities whenever possible. Ask family and friends to help you get them to their various activities.
- Keep toddlers with you when bathing babies. To keep them occupied, give them a treat, a toy to play with, or tell them a story. If old enough, let them help you by handing you things or holding a bottle.
- Let them know on a daily basis, how very special they are to you.

Other helpful Web sites on this subject:
- More tips if you have other children