What Is Taught in Sibling Classes?

As childbirth becomes more of a family experience, involving not just the pregnant mother but the father, grandparents, aunts, uncles and younger children, classes have been created to teach and enrich the experience of all involved in this important process. A class for the big sister-to-be can help alleviate fears and give her a vested interest in the new child.

  1. Purpose

    • The purpose of sibling classes is to teach a child about the new person who is soon to join their family and the changes he can expect in his household and in his family relationships.

    Topics discussed

    • The majority of sibling classes teach what babies do, such as crying, sleeping, eating, peeing and pooping. They may discuss the baby's belly button care, how much time it takes to care for a baby and how to change a diaper. Also taught may be how they can help mommy and daddy in caring for the baby and how attention will be shared with their new sibling. Many sibling classes will give them a tour of the birthing facility, showing the sibling-to-be the birthing/recovery room and the nursery the baby may stay in while in the hospital. Often, crafts, snacks and allowing the child to put a diaper on a doll or stuffed animal are included.

    Benefits

    • Although each child may benefit from this experience in different ways, depending on age and emotional development, the primary benefit is that a sibling class helps to explain the birthing and baby-care process in a way she can understand and helps to alleviate any fears the young child may have about the addition of a new member in the family. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's National Institutes of Health website, "a review of the recent literature substantiates that sibling preparation classes help to ease the transition into being a sibling. Studies have shown that as a result of this preparation, children who become siblings exhibit fewer anxieties, are better able to express their feelings, and the mother feels better able to cope with the older child when the infant arrives."

    Age Requirement for Sibling Class

    • Each facility has it own requirement on ages accepted for the sibling class, which can range anywhere from 2 years to 12 years of age. Children older than 12 have a better understanding of their places within the family and how they can assist their parents in caring for the new sibling.

    Cost

    • The cost for a sibling class is established by the facility. Some facilities offer the sibling class for free, while others may charge a fee of $10 or more for supplies and/or to cover the cost of using a non-employee instructor fee.

    Additional Information

    • In addition to sibling classes, books are often read to siblings to help prepare the way for the new addition. Parenthood.com supplies a list of books that may be helpful.

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