Get Ready for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood ‘Meet the New Baby’ !

Pittsburgh Parent

On Monday, August 18, Season 2 of the hit animated TV series from The Fred Rogers Company, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, kicks off on PBS KIDS (check local listings) with “Meet the New Baby,” an all-new one-hour premiere celebrating a very special arrival – Daniel Tiger’s little sister, Margaret! The excitement continues with two more episodes on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20, that focus on Daniel and his family as they adjust to life with the baby.

While a new sibling can bring lots of joy, it can also come with some challenges. Below are helpful tips from Angela C. Santomero, creator of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, parenting guru – and the mom of two daughters – to help your child adjust to the arrival of their new baby brother or sister.

  • Don’t Spill the Beans too Soon – While it’s always helpful to prepare your preschooler about what to expect and talk with them about new experiences, young children don’t understand time the way adults do. Since it can be difficult for them to wait for events happening many months in the future, try to wait as long as possible to tell your child about the new baby.
  • Discuss What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Talk with your child about what to expect from newborns – they sleep a lot, cry, and can’t play games or talk (at least not the same way as your preschooler can)! If you know a family or friend with a new baby, make a brief visit so your child can see firsthand what an infant can and can’t yet do.
  • Crown Your New “Big Helper” – Involve your child in caring for their new sibling right from the start. Encourage them to pick out items for the baby’s room, get the diapers when it’s changing time, and sing or talk to the baby. Giving them specific ways to lend a hand helps preschoolers feel needed and more grownup.
  • Make “Mommy/Daddy & Me Time” – When the baby arrives, set aside “just you and me” times with your older child. Whether it’s a trip to the library or simply reading a story together before bed, it’s important to make sure your older child doesn’t feel left out.
  • Let Them Know How Proud You Are – Help your child to feel proud about being the older brother or sister by showing your appreciation for all the things they can do that the new baby can’t yet accomplish such as using their words. Reinforce your older child’s role in the family as the big brother or sister to the new baby.

And don’t forget to tune-in to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood each day on PBS KIDS (check local listings) and visit: pbskids.org/daniel

This article appears in the Get Ready for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood ‘Meet the New Baby’ ! issue of Pittsburgh Parent.

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