A 30-Year-Old Multiparous Woman Has a Boy Who 2½ Is

Multiple Choice

A 30-year-old multiparous woman has a boy who 2½ is years old and has recently delivered an infant girl.She tells the nurse,"I don't know how I'll ever manage both children when I get home." Which suggestion would assist this new mother in alleviating sibling rivalry?

A) Tell the older child that he is a big boy now and should love his new sister.
B) Let the older child stay with his grandparents for the first 6 weeks to allow him to adjust to the newborn.
C) Ask friends and relatives not to bring gifts to the older sibling because you do not want to spoil him.
D) Realize that the regression in habits and behaviors in the older child is a typical reaction and that he needs extra love and attention at this time.