Sibling preparation classes for preschool children.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sibling preparation classes on the behavior of firstborn children following the birth of the family's second child. The maternal perceptions of the preschool child behaviors of two groups of mothers, one group of 17 mothers whose children attended sibling preparation classes and one group of 16 mothers whose children did not attend classes, were determined prior to and after the birth of the second child using the Maternal Perception of Preschool Child Behavior (Knicely, 1981). It was hypothesized that prenatal perceptions of child behavior would differ from postnatal perceptions for both groups. No significant difference between the two groups was found. Although the value of the classes may not have been clearly supported by the study, there are theoretical indications that the classes are valuable. Further study needs to be done on the effectiveness of sibling preparation classes. Several aspects of this research can be strengthened and the research repeated. Implications for further research are indicated.