About this item
These colorful tales are designed to help prepare older siblings for the arrival of a new baby brother or sister. By providing discussion prompts, these books help give parents the language needed to speak to their older children in a way that is supportive, complimentary, and caring. Through a variety of descriptions—from which toys are safe for babies and which are dangerous, to the importance of hand washing and picking up the baby only when a grown up is there to help—Sam and Amanda learn what it means to be a big brother or sister. A discussion about the real-life issue of parents' temporary absence while at the hospital prepares youngsters for what might otherwise be a confusing and frightening time. The books' handy tip sheets succinctly detail hints for supporting the older child and is accompanied by a download link for an MP3, containing upbeat and catchy tunes that emphasize the special bond between brothers and sisters.
About the Author
Brenda Bercun is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Family Mental Health, as well as mommy of two.
During the early years of parenting Brenda discovered something that changed the course of her children's budding relationship. At first she tried to be everything to each child, thinking that she would avoid sibling rivalry. After time she discovered that she was missing an important link. She realized that she needed to put more effort into promoting the relationship between them instead of her being everything to each of them. This link helped her see the importance of parental involvement in promoting better sibling relationships. She started celebrating them as brother and sister. She pointed out to her older son that his sister loved and adored him; that she watched and learned from him; that he was very special to her and how lucky she was to have him. When her daughter would imitate her son, she would point it out to him. He was his sister's teacher. His sister's achievements were in part due to what she was learning from him. Celebrating her also meant celebrating him.
When Brenda saw the positive effects of this approach, she brought this teaching into her professional practice. She successfully began to provide interactive play with parents and their toddlers who were about to become older siblings. The object was to help the family understand the older sibling's very important role in the family and set a positive foundation. Relationships between siblings are as rich as the individuals. Some sibling relationships develop well on their own. Others need to be guided and molded. Children need to know and feel that they are contributors to each other and the family. Celebrating a child's accomplishments is a part of celebrating the family.
Brenda wrote I'm Going to Be a Big Sister! and I'm Going to Be a Big Brother! drawing on her work in supporting families as they grow and change. These books include accompanying children's songs (MP3's) , "Watch Me Baby, Watch Your Sister" and "Watch Me Baby, Watch Your Brother" (available on her website, YourNextBaby.com) . Brenda's hope and intention are for families to use these books as a vehicle to promote strong sibling and family relationships, while minimizing the negative effects of sibling rivalry. Her children's books, and children's songs make wonderful gifts for children and parents who are getting ready to welcome and love another a new member of their family.
