by Kelly Wilbanks posted in Parenting

I sat,  holding my 8-month-old, in the family area of my church and waited while Daddy picked up her two older siblings from their Sunday school classes. Another mom stood nearby with her infant in a ring-sling waiting for her husband to bring their daughter's sibling back as well.
We made eye contact. One sleep-deprived mom to another. We complimented each other's babies, commented on the hard season of life we both found ourselves in, and soon were delving into a discussion on the merits of baby wraps, slings, and carriers.
Then she asked a question that made me pause and think. She asked me how I helped my daughters adjust to their new baby sister. I didn't want to give her a trite answer and I didn't want to overwhelm her. I've done this transition twice now so I guess I'm an expert. Ha! My oldest, Vivianne, was almost 3 when she became a big sister and Evelynne was just a 20-month-old when it was her turn. Three things came to mind fairly immediately because they didn't involve any additional time (who has any") and it really helped my daughters to welcome the new baby to the family.
1. Remind him/her that this was how you took care of them when they were little.
When Vivianne watched me change her sister's diapers I'd tell her about how I used to change her diapers. When Evie needed to be fed I'd tell Vivianne how I used to feed her. If Evie needed to go in for a well-check, I'd talk to Vivi about all the times I'...