Whether you're telling your parents or best friend or boss about a pregnancy, you never really know how people are going to react — and that's especially true when you're breaking the news to your older child (or children). Some kids are thrilled to find out that they'll be getting a new sibling, but others...are less than thrilled, and sometimes these reactions can be pretty surprising!
In one recent video that immediately went viral, a mom and dad are telling their 8-year-old daughter that they're having a baby, and it seems like they're expecting a positive response: They present her with a gift bag filled with "big sister" swag and wait for her to figure out what's going on...but when she does, it's not the happy moment they were hoping for.
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"Eight-year-old Milan did NOT respond the way her parents expected when they told her they're having a baby . She's since come around, and is excited for the arrival of her baby brother," according to The Daily Mail . Poor girl! Of course her parents will keep on loving her just the same, but her feelings are totally understandable , as commenters pointed out.
Related: Little Girl Has the Most Heartfelt Reaction to Her Mom’s Pregnancy Announcement
"Valid. It's a massive life change! She is very intelligent being able to understand all these perspectives. It's not easy being a big sis, regardless of how small or large the gap, it's difficult," wrote idylle.doll.
"She's got an old soul and it spoke up loud and clear on her 'only child' behalf! She'll be such a good big sister," wrote TNChiChi.
Milan's mom, interior designer Jessica Brantley, told TODAY.com that " she and Milan are extremely close ."
“We do every single thing together — we get our nails done , we explore the farmers market — She’s a true only child. So I definitely understand why her response was overly-dramatic. She’s afraid of losing what we have.”
Milan's grandma took her out for sushi after the pregnancy reveal and felt "more optimistic" about the baby when she got back, according to Brantley.
“She was wearing her big sister bracelet and she kissed my belly. She’s not 100% on board, but she’s getting there.”
Milan's baby brother is due in November, so she's got plenty of time to get used to the idea!
How to Help Older Kids Adjust to a New Sibling
When it comes to helping school-aged kids deal with the arrival of a new baby , the key is getting them to open up about their feelings , according to Parents.
One thing you can do is "ask your child to remember what it was like to be the only child in the family and what's different about life now. You might ask what's hard and what's fun about the baby. If they let on that they're feeling jealous, reassure them of your love and ask if there's something you can do to help. Or tell them about a time when you felt jealous of your own sibling."
It's also important to involve your older child in the care of their younger brother or sister whenever possible.
"To help build the bond between your children, do your best to engage your older kid with the baby. Invite them to help wrap a towel around the baby after bath time, read the baby a story while you fold laundry beside them, or distract them with a song during a squirmy diaper change. But be careful that you don't rely on your older child to be a junior babysitter, which could quickly become a burden."
And of course, be sure to give your big kid plenty of praise when they're helpful and nice to the baby! Before you know it, they'll be the best of friends.
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