ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of sibling preparation classes to facilitate the adjustment of a firstborn child to the birth of a sibling.
Design
Longitudinal study with five measurement occasions: third trimester of the mother's pregnancy and 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after the sibling's birth.
Setting
Communities in southeastern Michigan.
Participants
A total of 241 families, including mothers, fathers, and firstborn children.
Methods
Mothers and fathers completed questionnaires to assess changes in children's adjustment. Parents were also asked about their children's attendance at a sibling preparation class focused specifically on preparation for the newborn. Effects of attendance were tested using linear mixed models.
Results
Other than avoidance of the infant, children who attended sibling preparation classes did not differ from children who did not attend.
Conclusion
Sibling preparation classes for adjustment after the birth of an infant sibling had few effects on participants.