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10 Hudson Valley Parent n Spring 2020 your belly while you are pregnant. Hav- ing a hands-on experience will help him or her make the connection that there is something special inside your belly and you want your little one to be a part of it. 2. Gift giving. Choose a gift from your unborn baby to "give" to your older child after his or her birth. Give the gift to your youngster after the baby's birth and say it's from the new baby. This will make your child feel extra special during a time that may be a little scary. 3. Hold on tight. Give your older child help with holding your newborn. Let your youngster sit in your lap and "hold" the baby with help. Once your child sees that this baby is a living, breathing per- son, he or she will start to take on that roll of big sibling. 4. Nursing/bottle basket. Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, fill a basket, bin or bucket with on- hand goodies, like crayons and coloring books, foam building blocks, and board books, for your older child to play with when you are feeding the new baby. Your older children can have fun with the items and feel like they are still a part of what you're doing. 5. Make a "date." Have your spouse or big brother or sister watch the baby while you and your youngster have one- on-one time. Take a neighborhood stroll, read a book together or share a glass of milk and cookies. It's important to con- tinue that one-on-one attention. 6. Play time. Have your older child help you with the baby's play time by letting him or her choose which toys to put in front of the baby. This small act will make your youngster take an active role in the baby's life. 7. Special time. Between catching up on your naps while your baby sleeps, make a point of having special play time with all your youngsters. Whether it's rolling out play dough or baking brown- ies, this time together will make all of you appreciate the special bond that you have had from the beginning. 8. Spread the love. Be sure to hug and kiss your spouse in front of the kids. When they see that their parents are happy, they too will be happy. This public affection will reassure your other children that they are safe and loved by two happy parents. Meagan Ruffing is a mom and freelance par- enting writer.