Preparing a Child for the Birth of a Sibling.

Smith, Virginia Coleman

Regardless of a child's maturity level, the world is changed forever with the birth of a sibling. Parents sensitivity in assisting a child through the transition has been shown to influence perception of the event. The childbirth educator's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the transition to siblinghood influence ability to provide support to the child and family. Implications for practice include offering a sibling class curriculum that promotes self esteem, autonomy, and sibling identity for the child, while providing anticipatory guidance to the parents regarding the significance of their role in the child's psychosocial development.

FAMILIES & psychology; SIBLINGS; CHILD development; CHILDBIRTH education; CHILDBIRTH teachers; MOTHERHOOD; PARENTING; PSYCHOLOGY; THEORY; OCCUPATIONAL roles

International Journal of Childbirth Education, 2013, Vol 28, Issue 2, p20

0887-8625

Academic Journal