Imagine Jere’s, our son’s, delight when he discovers his new sibling brought him a present!

As we prepare for the arrival of our second child, one of the key moments we're focusing on is the initial encounter between Jere and his new sibling. We want this introduction to be memorable and positive for Jere.

So, we thought it’d be a great idea to have Jere and his new sibling exchange gifts.

We plan to get Jere a present, saying it's from the new baby. We're also letting him pick out a special gift for his sibling.

We aim to make the moment even more special for Jere by tailoring the present to his interests. To ensure the gifts truly excite him, we’re choosing stuff we know he loves at the moment.

Benefits of Exchanging Gifts Between an Older Child and a Newborn Baby

Eases Transition and Reduces Jealousy

This gift exchange can facilitate a smooth transition for Jere. It helps reassure him he’s included and valued during a time when much of the attention is focused on the new baby.

This gesture can also reduce possible feelings of jealousy and help Jere adjust to his new role as a big sibling.

More importantly, it conveys that the baby is here to share happiness, not to take away Jere's space or attention. We want him to appreciate that this arrival is a joyful occasion for the whole family.

Fosters a Sense of Responsibility and Ownership

Allowing Jere, as an older sibling, to choose or give a gift to our newest family member cultivates a sense of responsibility and ownership.

We expect this act to help Jere feel involved in the care and well-being of his new sibling, which can strengthen their bond.

Encourages Empathy and Generosity

Gift-giving teaches kids like Jere about empathy and generosity.

Through this, Jere can learn to think about what his sibling might like or need. We hope he will develop a caring attitude and understand the joy of giving.

Builds Positive Sibling Relationships

Research suggests that acts of generosity, such as gift-giving, foster social cohesion and cooperation within groups.

Exchanging gifts can be a fun and meaningful way to build a positive relationship between Jere and our new baby.

The idea is to create a sense of connection and warmth through a shared experience that can be cherished and remembered, helping establish a strong, loving bond.

The Bottomline

We aim to create a positive first encounter between Jere and his new sibling, and make the transition as smooth as possible for him. We can do this by having them exchange gifts.

This thoughtful gesture helps Jere feel special and included, and lays the foundation for a strong, loving bond between our children.

Through this shared experience, we hope to cultivate a joyful and harmonious family dynamic, celebrating the arrival of our newest member together.

What was it like for your kids when they met their new sibling? Did you also have them exchange gifts with the newborn baby? We’d love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts or stories in the comment section!

Read here to find out what else we are doing to prepare our firstborn to be a big brother to our new baby.

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