Valerie Mates
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Sibling Preparation Tips


I wrote this in August, 2002, when Arlo was 3 1/2 years old and baby Kendra was 4 months old.


In case it's useful, here's a list of the things I did with my preschooler, Arlo, to help prepare him to be a big brother. He's turned out to be a fantastic big brother, with a wonderful relationship with the baby. I don't know if that's because of something I did, or if it's that Arlo happens to have been born with a personality that makes him a good big sib, or if it's sheer good luck. So I have no idea if any of this stuff would be useful for any other kid or any other family. But I'll list it here in case anything is useful to you.

During pregnancy:

When the baby was born:

As a general philosophy later on:

The future:

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Valerie, January of 2023
Valerie - January, 2023