Efficacy of Sibling Preparation Classes.

OBJECTIVE:To 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.