A newborn can bring out sibling rivalry and jealousy in young children. Being proactive with the issue can reduce the severity of a daughter's reaction to a new family member. Nonetheless, never leave a 5-year-old child alone with an infant even when no jealousy is present. Not only is your daughter not old enough to keep an eye on the baby for even a minute, but she may not understand that some acts can hurt a baby.
Step 1
Read stories to your 5-year-old about becoming a big sister. There are many picture books available that present having a sibling in a positive light.
Step 2
Have your child help pick out baby items. Let her have input on items such as a blanket, small toy or outfit.
Step 3
Purchase a big sister gift to give your daughter at the hospital when her new sibling arrives. Many people focus on the new baby, and taking time to give her a small gift puts some focus on her.
Step 4
Allow your daughter to help with the new sibling. Simple tasks such as bringing a diaper or picking an outfit for the baby to wear for the day can get your daughter involved.
Step 5
Spend at least 30 minutes with your daughter during the sibling's nap time or after the baby is in bed. Keep this routine constant and do not take it away as punishment.
Step 6
Talk to your daughter to find out why she is jealous. Many times the jealousy stems from you or others stopping something that was routine before the new sibling arrived. Listen intently to your child and try to address her concerns.
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