Hurst Readiness Exam 2 Practice

When a newborn joins the family, the most effective way to support the older child is to provide personal time with the four-year-old. One-on-one time helps the child feel seen and valued, reduces competition for parental attention, and gives you a chance to acknowledge their feelings about the new baby. It also fits the preschooler’s need for reassurance, predictable routines, and opportunities to participate in simple, age-appropriate ways, which builds a positive bond with the newborn over time.

Other approaches undermine adjustment: excluding the older child signals they aren’t part of the family changes; leaving all tasks to the caregiver minimizes opportunities for connection and learning; and keeping the child away from the baby can provoke fear or resentment and hinder bonding. Personal time with the older sibling fosters security and smooths the transition for the whole family.