Telling a 6 year old they'll be an older sibling

[froglou]

Hiya - just found out we're expecting, it's super early so I could be jinxing myself!

But when we've had the 12 week scan we'll be telling out 6 year old, obviously, but not sure how to do it! She does want a sibling but I'm also very conscious it will be a huge change for her that even if exciting stuff first with time but seem daunting - she's quite a worrier!

I wondered if anyone had any advice?
Was thinking of a little gift and or book about it at the time of telling her (suggestions welcome!) and then a little box for her when baby is born (like Christmas eve box but not🤣) but then I worry am O over compensating?

Thanks!!

I probably did it in the "wrong way". DS was about the same age as your DC. Because he had said he wanted a baby brother, I thought he'd be happy about it and just dropped the bomb one day. He didn't say a word but his face was changing from being confused to wanting to cry and then to being indifferent. He didn't mention or ask again for many months and we left it be, as knowing he was probably processing the information internally. Until the bump was really big and near the due day, his curiosity prevailed and he started asking questions about this baby and what I felt.

I wished I could have handled it more gently. BUT, having said that, I really believe it's what you do after the baby was born matters ten folds more. I did my best to give him individual attention, I tried my best to be fair when conflicts arise and I stick to the principle and educate them whenever they had a fight (3 years on): You are brothers and you love each other. Say "sorry" and give each other a hug. They adore each other even though it doesn't stop them fighting.

Good luck with the pregnancy. It really take the parenting experience to another level, but it's all worth it. 😁

Congratulations
I have a 6 year age gap between my girl and boy

I went for my scan and we had a take away of her choice that night we then showed her that today we had pictures of mummy's tummy taken and found out we have a baby in there.

We got her to draw a picture one week for his room
We got her to pick a coming home from hospital Outfit
She held him first before any other family members
We just did thing that made them have a link all the way a long from picking bedding to helping buy nappies ready

Now they argue like cat and dog
(G 16,b 10) 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂😂 but she still remembers thous things when she see pictures etc
And they do have a good bond really 😬😬😬😬 I think