Supporting Healthy Sibling Relationships
API's Eight Principles of Parenting are recommended companion readings as the foundation and context for all of our research-based resources.
Tips for Getting off to a Good Start
- Involve children in making changes in regular routines to include the baby, while offering them a few manageable choices for them to be helpful.
- Plan special one-on-one time for each child.
- Help older siblings learn to read baby's cues and learn what they can do to respond or help.
- Supervise younger children and guide their interactions with baby to help build good relationships and prevent, validate and resolve upsets.
- As children get older, coach them to do more problem-solving on their own, helping them to learn when to ask for adult help.
Free Resources from the API Library and Publications
- Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Live - one of API's Eight Principles of Parenting
- Help Your Toddler Bond with the New Baby
- Sibling Spacing: One Year Apart, Too Close or Just Right?
- Sibling Spacing: Two Years Apart and Getting Easier with Age
- Sibling Spacing: Five Years Apart Means More Time with Each Child