As I have mentioned earlier on my blog, I'm expecting a child. My fifth child. One of parents big worries seems to be older siblings' jealousy but fortunately, we have never had to deal with that. And that's not a coincident. We actively "sell them" the idea of the new baby.
Last week we went to a clinic to see our unborn in a 3D ultrasound. We took the three oldest kids and gave them the opportunity to see their little unborn brother on TV. They loved it. For the youngest one, which is maybe the one that is most likely to become jealous, we have also bought a T-Shirt that says: "I'm the BIG SISTER". Because that's what she gets. She's becoming a big sister. It's not just us having a baby. She is too. She is going to have a little baby brother. So instead of jealousy, she should feel pride.
So that is the focus. What they get. Another thing. Don't send them away or shout them out for being in the way or disturbing the baby. Remember to give them attention too. Make room for some special time that is only with the mom and the older siblings so that they know that baby isn't steeling mom away, it only adds to the family.
You can apply the same tactics on your new customers and older customers. The old customers become jealous if you only give discounts to new customers but never seem to pay them attention.
Hjörtur
ps. You can check out this great ad which focuses on dad's jealousy when the newborn arrives.
Wow, great ad! Some great tips for keeping your kids on "your side" when it comes to a new addition to the family, too. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Erica DeWolf | March 09, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Well, thank you for sharing even further, Erica. Saw you quoted my post on your blog. Thanks for that.
Posted by: Hjörtur Smárason | April 01, 2008 at 02:29 PM