A mother is worried about 'spoiling' her older child because friends want to bring him gifts. The nurse should suggest:

A mother is worried about 'spoiling' her older child because friends want to bring him gifts. The nurse should suggest:

• A. Discourage gifts to avoid spoiling.
• B. Allow the gifts, as he needs extra attention and affirmation during this time.
• C. Return the gifts to the givers.
• D. Limit gifts to only parents' controlled gifts.

Answer: (B)

When a new baby arrives, the older child often feels left out and needs extra affirmation and reassurance. Allowing gifts from friends can be a normal part of celebrating the new baby and can help the older child feel included, as long as it’s balanced with substantial one-on-one attention, praise, and involvement in the baby’s care. The nurse’s guidance is to support the family in welcoming gifts while also ensuring the older child receives regular, meaningful attention and positive reinforcement, which helps prevent feelings of jealousy or the belief that the baby is more important. Discouraging gifts, returning gifts, or restricting gifts to only parental control can send confusing messages and may increase insecurity or resentment; instead, pair the gifts with clear routines, involvement, and affection to support healthy adjustment.

When a new baby arrives, the older child often feels left out and needs extra affirmation and reassurance. Allowing gifts from friends can be a normal part of celebrating the new baby and can help the older child feel included, as long as it’s balanced with substantial one-on-one attention, praise, and involvement in the baby’s care. The nurse’s guidance is to support the family in welcoming gifts while also ensuring the older child receives regular, meaningful attention and positive reinforcement, which helps prevent feelings of jealousy or the belief that the baby is more important. Discouraging gifts, returning gifts, or restricting gifts to only parental control can send confusing messages and may increase insecurity or resentment; instead, pair the gifts with clear routines, involvement, and affection to support healthy adjustment.