Teenagers & A New Sibling In The Family
Accepting a new brother or sister can be tricky for toddlers. But how
will an older - possibly wiser - teenager react to the news?
Your teen may well be quite shocked at first!
It's not all bad news. On the plus side, girls
are becoming maternal at this age and even boys are developing a soft
streak for little kids - teens often end up secretly excited.
Tell them before they find out from others
Far better the news comes from you than
from someone else. Tell your teenagers before the world knows. Let them
know when you plan to tell other people, so they can plan their own announcements
to friends accordingly.
Keep a sense of humour
A smile can make the telling easier and
keeps tension down. It also gives teenagers a useful cover to hide their
own initial shock or embarrassment.
Understand their shock
A new sibling is usually the last thing
a teenager expects to deal with. Teens will probably be taken aback and
not really sure how to feel or act. Part of them may feel excited at the
news, while another part is anxious and concerned.
Teens don't want to think about parents having
sex - and now the reality is being forced on them. What will their friends
say? How will it change their lives? If it's a stepsibling, does it mean
you'll love them less? Will you devote all your time to your new family?
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