How to Prepare Your Child to Become a Big Brother or Big Sister

“Bringing a new baby into the world is a very complex and magical process,” says Kenneth Schuster, Psy.D., clinical neuropsychologist in the Learning and Development Center and director of clinical training at the Child Mind Institute. “But for a child, it is best to keep things simple and concrete. Introduce the subject in an age-appropriate manner. Answer his or her questions using age-appropriate language. Keep in mind that what is appropriate for one two-year-old may not be appropriate for another. Different children have different language skills and social maturity. …You need to meet your child where he is, and remember that anecdotal stories about what may have worked for another family will not necessarily work for your child.”