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Dr. Becky Shares the #1 Mistake Parents Make When Bringing Home a New Baby

And I'm so guilty of it

Big sister and big brother welcome new baby for a story where Dr. Becky shares advice about bringing home new baby.
John Nacion/SementsovaLesia/Getty Images

If you haven't heard, Peppa Pig has just become a big sister again. The family of four—Mommy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa and George—welcomed baby Evie into their world...and Dr. Becky is here to help make the transition a little less...muddy.

Seriously. The beloved parenting expert and clinical psychologist has partnered with Hasbro to bring us Muddy Puddle Parenting, a new Peppa Pig initiative that offers playful, practical and educational content featuring Dr. Becky. Think navigating tantrums, bedtime, big feelings, and of course, new additions.

In the YouTube premiere series, Dr. Becky shares trusted guidance with Mummy and Daddy Pig on how to prepare Peppa and George for the arrival of a new baby, and how to help the whole family adjust after baby Evie’s arrival, replete with tried-and-true strategies, practical tips and advice that help parents foster strong sibling bonds, build emotional resilience and encourage healthy family dynamics. 

With my own little IRL Peppa (4) and George (18 months)—we even took them to see the Baby Evie episode at the movie theater—it felt apropos to reach out to Dr. Becky on this Peppa-laced occasion, and ask the tough questions. Namely: What's the biggest mistake parents make when bringing home a new baby. Here's what the Good Inside author told me.

Dr. Becky and Peppa Pig sit on the steps of the NYPL.
Charlie Flint

The #1 Mistake Parents Make When Bringing Home a New Baby

While Dr. Becky doesn't call it a mistake, she says that one "common trap" is overemphasizing the “big kid” role. "We think we’re helping by saying things like 'You’re such a big sibling now!'—but what kids often hear is: 'You’re not allowed to have little-kid feelings anymore,'" she shares.

Dr. Becky continues: "The truth is, kids want to feel both big and little. They want to pour their own cereal and still curl up in your lap. When we push them too far into the 'big' identity, we can unintentionally cause more acting out or regression."

Eek. Anyone else guilty of this? Here's what do try instead, guides the expert:

"Instead, let your child know they don’t have to give up their 'little-ness' just because a baby is here. Say things like: 'Even big siblings need extra snuggles. I’ve got you.' That keeps the connection strong—and helps your child feel seen exactly as they are."

If you know anything about Dr. Becky, connection is everything. And if you know anything about Peppa...welcome to the muddy puddle that is parenting.




DaraKatz

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor and writer with a knack for long-form pieces
  • Has more than a decade of experience in digital media and lifestyle content on the page, podcast and on-camera
  • Studied English at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor