Our growing family: a sibling welcome plan
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Free resource. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notebook or document. The spaces below are for your own notes, not an online form.
Complete this with your older child using words, drawings or conversation. It can be used before a baby arrives or after the family has begun adjusting. There is no requirement to feel excited.
What I want to know
A question I have about the baby: ____________________
Something I am looking forward to: ____________________
Something I am unsure about: ____________________
Adults can write “We will find out” when they do not know an answer.
My familiar people and plans
Who will look after me if my usual carer is away: ____________________
Who will collect me, if relevant: ____________________
One familiar activity we will try to keep: ____________________
How someone will tell me if a plan changes: ____________________
Time that is for me
Something I would like us to do together: ____________________
A small version we could manage on a busy day: ____________________
Another trusted person I enjoy spending time with: ____________________
Example: “I would like a long board game. On a busy day, we could do one round and leave the pieces ready.”
Joining in, if I want to
A small way I might like to help: ____________________
Something I would rather not do: ____________________
Adults remain responsible for the baby’s care and for supervising contact. Helping is an invitation, not a job the older child must take on.
A note for visitors
“Please remember to ask me about ____________________.”
Something we will check in about next week: ____________________
Leave this plan flexible. Your child’s feelings and interests may change as the baby grows.