Have you ever had to step in and say something like, “you’re being a bit rough, she doesn’t like that” or “please don’t throw the ball at the baby”? If so, the chances are you’re a nanny to siblings.
Looking after brothers and sisters can be a joy, but with it comes unique challenges which are different for all families. For most children, it’s difficult to adjust when a new baby arrives. Feelings of jealously are natural at first but should dispel as the baby becomes more independent. Ensuring the two (or more) siblings connect can be a challenge, especially when their needs and interests are so different. A 6-month-old baby isn’t interested in phonics games the same way 5-year-old doesn’t want to play with sensory toys. So we’ve put together 3 activities which ensures jealousy is kept at bay, sharing becomes second nature and a life-long bond is forged.
Messy Play: Key for development and good fun for all ages, messy play gives children a chance to play together in creative harmony. Top tips: Using non-toxic paint to colour in baby’s toes – older children love the feeling of authority handling the brush and babies are fascinated by the colours, and enjoy having their feet tickled! Moulding cold cooked spaghetti into shapes – creating a long wiggly snake out of cooked spaghetti on a wipe-clean surface or out in the garden is a great activity for pre-schoolers while baby enjoys the excitement and chaos. And when the day is nearly over, run the children a lovely warm bath to clean off the mess, letting them share the bubbles, wash each other’s hair and play with bath toys together. If the children are closer in age and have been fractious toward each other, this ends the day with positive reinforcement, and nice smelling, spaghetti-free hair!
Make Believe: No ‘doctors and nurses’ imaginary play is complete without a patient, nor is a tea party without a guest. Babies are very compliant play mates (unless tired) and will happily play along having their temperature taken or have their tea poured at the service of their older brother or sister. Choose the time of day wisely (after a nap) and set the scene for the play time – a hospital, a café, a bus for example. Let their imagination run wild and see how they create characters that interact with each other for hours.
Time to Cook: Cooking meals and healthy snacks safely in the kitchen is a wonderful way to involve all ages. For older children, measuring ingredients and mixing is great for numeracy and motor skills while their younger brother or sister watch in awe from the safety of their highchair, banging a wooden spoon or a measuring cup. An older sibling seeing their baby brother or sister enjoy the sandwich, muffin or smoothie they’ve created will fill them with positivity and confidence. For pre-schoolers and older, encourage the children to take turns making pizza – rolling out the dough, spreading the sauce, sprinkling the cheese… sharing jobs in the kitchen like this creates a sense of comradery, especially if the end goal is to enjoy a delicious meal together.
What are your favourite ways to involve babies and older children through play, to ensure they build a strong, loving bond? Share your nanny wisdom on our Facebook page!