Free Big Sibling Preparation & Activity Pack
There is room for you, too
Help an older child talk about a new baby while making space for their own feelings, interests and routines. This gentle pack combines an original read-aloud mini-story with drawing pages and practical family conversation prompts.
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What’s inside the activity pack
Talk and read together
Simple conversation starters and the original mini-story Room for Both of Us, with three prompts to explore after reading.
Let your child respond
A family drawing page, a welcome picture, words for asking for connection or space, and an optional helper menu.
Make a realistic family plan
Prompts for one-to-one time, visitors, changes in routine and the adults who can help when plans change.
How to use it
- Pick one page. Read, draw or talk for as long as your child is interested. There is no need to finish everything.
- Adapt the response. A child can point, gesture, speak, draw or dictate an answer. Adults can write the child’s words.
- Use your family’s names. Change the story’s names, caregiver words and favorite book to ones your child knows.
- Return when it helps. Use a page before the baby arrives, after a visit or when your child brings up a question.
Helping is optional
A child can choose a book, sing with an adult, draw a picture or keep playing. Adults remain responsible for all baby care. Never leave a young child alone with the baby or make them responsible for feeding, carrying, bathing or supervising the baby.
Read the mini-story: Room for Both of Us
This original story is included on page 3 of the PDF.
Ari saw a tiny shirt on the table. “Is that for me?” Ari asked.
“It is for the baby,” said Jo. “Your striped shirt is right here.”
Ari put the striped shirt against their chest. “Will you still read my train book?”
“Yes,” Jo said. “Sometimes we will wait for a moment, and we will still find time for your book.”
When the baby came home, there were new sounds. There were quiet visits and busy moments. Ari felt curious. Then Ari felt cross. “I wanted you first,” Ari said.
Jo sat nearby. “You wanted time with me. I am glad you told me.”
Ari drew a very big circle. “This is how much I wanted you.”
Later, Jo asked, “Would you like to choose a song for us, or keep drawing?”
“Keep drawing,” said Ari.
“That is a good choice for you,” Jo said. The adults took care of the baby.
After a while, Ari brought the train book. Jo made room. The baby had a place in the family. Ari had a place, too.
Talk together: What did Ari want? What could Ari say when they needed Jo? What would you choose: a song, a picture or a book? There is no single right answer.
Questions about the pack
My child is not excited about the baby. Is the pack still suitable?
Yes. The activities leave room for mixed feelings and the choice to join in or step away. They are not a test of being a “good” big sibling.
Can I use it with an older or younger child?
The activities were designed for parent-guided use at approximately ages 2–5. Adapt the language and response to your child’s understanding and interests. An age label is not a developmental assessment.
Do we need special supplies?
No. Use paper and a pencil or crayons with an adult nearby. The pack does not require cutting, small craft pieces or a purchase.
When should I ask for more help?
Speak with your child’s healthcare professional if changes in behavior or distress worry you, or if you need help keeping everyone safe. This pack is general educational material, not a treatment plan.
Sources and related resources
The parent guidance draws on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ sibling preparation guidance and HSE guidance for preparing older children, reviewed September 12, 2026. The story, scripts and activity pages are original Maternity Miracles material; the source organizations have not reviewed or endorsed the pack.
- My First Feelings & Kindness Activities — broader feelings practice for everyday moments.
- The Newborn Home Guide — preparation for parents and caregivers.
- Childcare Transition Planner — planning tools for a new care routine.
Make it work for your family
Print the pages you need on US Letter paper in portrait orientation. Most pages work in black and white. Choose your printer’s “Fit” setting if it needs extra margins. These are worksheets to complete by hand, not fillable digital forms.
Get the free Big Sibling Activity Pack