Sibling Jealousy and the New Baby: A Calm, Honest Guide
6 min read
Regression after a new baby isn't naughtiness. It's grief, love, and confusion in a small body.
Why behavior changes
Your older child has lost their position in the family. Even when loved, they feel demoted. Behavior is the language of that grief.
What helps
- Special, predictable 1:1 time daily — even 10 min
- Validate the hard feelings, don't fix them
- Avoid 'big kid' framing — they don't want to be big yet
- Let them help with the baby on their terms