Explain to 6 year old we are expecting a baby

[Fairy45]

Hello. Looking for some help. I have a 6 and 4 year old from a previous marriage and am now expecting a baby with my new partner of 3 years. We all live together and have done for a while and it's great. The kids absolutely love my new partner and currently don't see their own dad unfortunately. I'm slightly worried about how the 6 year old will react and I don't know why, just don't want to change the dynamic so looking for a recommendation of any books about half siblings as all "new baby" books seem to be the traditional family. The 4 year old is going to love it as she's a bit baby obsessed anyway and did actually ask for a real baby for Christmas 🤣!

I would just tell them - it's surprising how sometimes we work things up and instead kids aren't too bothered. I would though suggest you get them involved so maybe go to the shops and let them pick out a nice Teddy or matching big and little sibling tops/grows. They'll feel a sense of proudness they picked ABC for baby once they are here and wearing/using the one they helped choose.

I would make it about them - they are going to be big brother/sister, they are going to teach the baby XYZ, they can choose things for the baby like how to decorate the nursery or toys for him.

Thank you both! That makes sense I'm sure it will be fine 🙂 definitely an overthinker.

Make sure it's positive news, don't apologise, but make sure they know they can talk about any worries.

Tell them when you are over 20 weeks only because a week is a long time if you are 6 so 7 months is a life time.

I wouldn't focus on 'half' sibling at this age, it's just going to be their baby brother or sister.
Keep it simple, explain that they're going to have a new brother or sister, that mummy and DP thought it would be lovely to have another child in the family, and that you know 6 year old is an amazing big sibling already, and ask how they feel about having another younger sibling to play with.

Thank you! We went shopping for new trainers yesterday and they all saw the baby section and all even the 6 yo was like can we have a baby at our house so I told them they would need to ask santa. 🙃 at least they seemed excited. I then queried it with th 6yo and said are you sure you would be happy and they reeled off all the reasons we should have one so happy days!

@DockOTheBay

I would make it about them - they are going to be big brother/sister, they are going to teach the baby XYZ, they can choose things for the baby like how to decorate the nursery or toys for him.

This is what I was going to say

@Fairy45

Thank you! We went shopping for new trainers yesterday and they all saw the baby section and all even the 6 yo was like can we have a baby at our house so I told them they would need to ask santa. 🙃 at least they seemed excited. I then queried it with th 6yo and said are you sure you would be happy and they reeled off all the reasons we should have one so happy days!

Oh how sweet! Good luck with it all