Modeling gentle behavior for your son is a great way to teach him the appropriate way to interact with his young sister. As you hold your daughter, ask your son to come sit together with you. Talk with him in a gentle voice about how delicate babies are. Stroke your daughter's arm gently. "See how softly we need to touch her." Invite your son to touch his sister's arm. Guide his hand as he carefully loves on her. Praise him for the wonderful job he is doing. "You are such a good big brother. You know how to be gentle and loving."

You are right that you don't want your son to be afraid of interacting with his sister. Simply monitor him when he is around the baby. Be matter-of-fact, rather than anxious in your approach. Give him lots of positive reinforcement.

If you see that he is getting too rough, correct him in a calm tone. "Too rough. Remember babies need gentle touches." Again, demonstrate and guide his hand in the proper touch. You can even lower your voice when the baby is around to help model a gentle tone.

Sometimes adjusting to a new baby can be a little difficult for older siblings. Your son is still a little one himself! Be sure to make an extra effort to spend one on one time with him while the baby is napping. Cuddling and reading books together is a great way to connect.

Board books are especially nice at this age. Your son can help you turn the pages. You may even pick out books that relate to the new baby. Try I Kissed the Baby (Walker Books Ltd., 2004) by Mary Murphy. My New Baby (Child's Play International, 2000) illustrated by Annie Kubler is another sweet board book. There are no words written, so you may make up ones that relate to your child's own experience. I'm a Big Brother (Harper Collins, 2004) by Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss is not a board book, but it is a wonderfully simple and colorful book that your son may enjoy. Touch and feel books and lift the flaps books are also good choices. Plus, they add that extra tactile element and sense of fun while reading.

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