Name: The New Baby: My Heart Has Room — A Story About Sibling Jealousy & Feeling Replaced
Brand: Maple Mindful Kids
SKU: new-baby-my-heart-has-room
Price: 9.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Question 1

At what age is this story most effective?

Accepted Answer

The story is written for children aged 3–8. Younger children (3–5) will connect most with Alex's feelings and the simple heart-drawing practice. Older children (6–8) will appreciate the "Just You" time scheduling tool and the framing around guilt. For children 9 and up, a direct conversation guided by a parent may complement the story better.

Question 2

Can I read this with my child before the baby arrives?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — this is one of the best uses of the story. Reading it *before* the baby comes home gives your child language for the feelings they're about to have, and introduces the "My Heart Has Room" practice as a tool they can reach for when those feelings arrive. Many parents read it two to three times: once before birth, once in the first week home, and again at the first sign of acting-out behaviour.

Question 3

What is the "My Heart Has Room" practice?

Accepted Answer

It's a simple, visual mindfulness exercise included in the story. Your child draws two hearts side by side — the first represents a parent's love *before* the baby, and the second is a visibly *bigger* heart showing how love grew after the baby arrived. The core message: your parent's heart didn't split in half — it expanded. The activity takes about five minutes and is designed to be repeated whenever jealousy resurfaces.

Question 4

What is "Just You" time?

Accepted Answer

A practical parenting tool introduced in the story. Alex and their parent schedule a specific, recurring block of time together — just the two of them, no baby. Even 10–15 minutes of undivided, predictable attention each day can significantly reduce acting-out behaviour rooted in jealousy. The story helps children name and request this time, which makes it easier for parents to honour.

Question 5

Does this story work for blended-family situations or adoption?

Accepted Answer

The emotional core — feeling displaced by a new family member — applies broadly. While the story is written around a biological newborn sibling, the jealousy, invisibility, and love-growing themes translate well to blended-family additions and adoption scenarios. Parents in those situations may want to briefly adapt the framing in conversation alongside the story.

Question 6

What format is the download?

Accepted Answer

The story is delivered as a PDF in flipbook format, optimised for screen reading on tablets and phones as well as home printing. No special software is required — any PDF reader works.

The New Baby: My Heart Has Room — A Story About Sibling Jealousy & Feeling Replaced

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