Babies Tale

Even if your young child has visited you in the hospital, the baby’s homecoming may be a bit traumatic. What had been talked about and thought about as an event to come has become reality-the future is here, and the baby is a real, live creature. There are three schools of thought concerning the best way to bring your new baby into the house. Some parents feel that a toddler or preschooler should be away from the home, perhaps visiting Grandma, and should only be brought back when mother and baby are well settled. Others think a young child should definitely be part of the reception committee. They advise that the mother have someone other than herself carry the baby into the house and that she devote herself to the older child exclusively for a short time after coming home. And still others say the child should accompany the father to the hospital to pick up mother and infant. The method you feel is right for your family is the one you should choose.

Is it wise to come home bearing gifts for your older child? Some parents like to give the older one large present to celebrate the birth of the new brother and sister, choosing one that will emphasize his or her maturity, such as a new game or “big kid” art materials. You may also want to have a supply of small gifts to hand out when visitors bring presents to the baby only. It’s best not to overdo the gifts, though, either before or after the baby arrives. Even toddlers recognize bribery when they see it, and the message you send is an apology for bringing home an interloper.

Leave a Reply