6 Ways to Help Older Children Adjust to a New Sibling | Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

Let's be honest, introducing the newest member of the family to your older child can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters.

That’s because you are!!

As a mom myself, I'm here to assure you that this journey, while occasionally bumpy, can also be an amazing bonding experience for your family!

Obviously, it's so crucial to prepare your older kiddos for the new baby. This is a big change in their life and will shake up their world quite a bit.

But here's the good news, preparation is key (and you’re already starting that process by reading this blog!)

Let's talk specifics. What can you do NOW to prepare for the new baby?

Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer

Books

Start by reading books that talk about siblings and new babies. "I'm a Big Sister" or "I'm a Big Brother" by Joanna Cole and “The New SmallCircles - Unusual relationships for unique people” by Tess Castleman are great options.

They beautifully illustrate the ups and downs of having a new sibling.

Let the Older Sibling Help Prepare

As you prepare the baby's room, let your older child be involved! Allow them to pick out some nursery decorations, or a special gift for their new sibling. This involvement can help them feel like they're a crucial part of this new chapter.

Keep Communication Open

Leading up to the birth, and in the weeks following, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication. Ask your child how they're feeling, let them express any worries or fears, and affirm their feelings.

Let the Older Sibling Help After Baby Arrives

After the baby arrives, it's a whole new ball game. During this time, it's helpful to foster interaction between your older child and their new sibling. Let your older child "help" with the baby — maybe they can pick out the baby's outfit for the day, or sing them a lullaby, or simply talk to the baby. This can help them form a bond with the baby, and feel included in this new phase of your family's life.

Pre-arrange one on one time

But remember, amid all this, feelings of jealousy might creep in. It’s essential to reassure your older child that they're still loved just as much as before. Maybe you can arrange for some one-on-one time with them - a special movie night or a picnic in the park. It doesn’t have to be grand, what matters is spending quality time with them.

Keep Their Routine

Cleveland Ohio Family Photographer

Ultimately, keep in mind that as parents, you're their compass in this new territory. It's important to keep as much of their normal routine as possible.

(Add local suggestions of things they could do with the older sibling.

Example: specific parks, local shops, local restaurants, events, etc)

Whether it's their beloved bedtime story, or that funny face you pull while having dinner, keeping some things the same can provide them with comfort.

And remember, every child is different and will react differently. It's about guiding them through this process with love, understanding, and patience.

I hope this helped offer some ideas on how to make this transition a little more smoothly!

If you’re looking for a photographer to capture these first moments with the older sibling and new baby - I’m here for you!

I hope reading 6 Ways to Help Older Children Adjust to a New Sibling has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Photographer in Cleveland, Ohio, click here to see my portfolio of images.

Love,

Danelle

1st Birthday Portraits | Milestone Photography | Cleveland Family Photographer

There is nothing better than seeing the family come back for their first birthday portraits. My bump to baby package allows the family to receive maternity, newborn and first birthday.

The first birthday shots can either be a full 1 hour customized shoot or a 30 minute simple shoot. I recommend bringing a smash cake and the splash photos with a clawfoot tub can be added on.

For more information on either my bump to baby package or smash first birthday portraits, please reach out

Thank you,

Danelle

Spring Family Portraits | Rockefeller Greenhouse | Cleveland Ohio

It might be March and snowing but that doesn’t mean we can’t capture some beautiful spring photos! Inside… that is.

Throughout the Cleveland Ohio area, there are many gems to hold a family session indoors. One of my favorites is the Rockefellar Greenhouse located in Cleveland. It is so beautiful with the brick building, tropical plants and flowers. Its perfect for a family, child or maternity photo session.

Another favorite of mine is the botanical garden. You can never go wrong with this beautiful backdrop. If you have a large family, if you call ahead you can reserve the garden for yourself.

If you interested in spring portraits please reach out.

~xoxo Danelle

That winter light though | Christmas Minis | Sugar Pines Farm | Chesterland, Ohio

Oh there is golden light… Then there is golden light in the winter at a beautiful tree farm! I mean, I couldn’t have been luckier with the light peaking the pines during my last Christmas mini of the year. It was really so beautiful! This year all of my Christmas minis took place at Sugar Pines Farms and I”ve been photographing there for many years. They family that owns the farm is wonderful and we’ve always loved their trees as well. If you would like to book a Christmas mini session I recommend reaching out and being added to my email list. I announce first with email, and they usually all fill up within 1 day. Cleveland, Ohio Family Photographer

Please reach out for more pricing information for 2022.

Happy Holidays:)

Signature Photo Sessions | Now offering Digitals & Video | Newborn Photography | Northeast Ohio

When it comes to professional photography it can be an investment from start to finish. I completely understand the time, energy and finances it takes from the moment you start googling “photographers near me” to the actual shoot day. The process can be daunting, whether your expecting and want every moment of your newborns life captured or your a busy mom of 3 who desperately needs updated photos. Its all a process from choosing and researching the best photographer for your family to coordinating outfits. My goal is to help take the stress out of those moments.

When booking with Danelle Joy Photography the very first thing I like to do is a Pre-session consult. This can be done via phone or email and its my chance to understand your needs, style and goals for the photo shoot. After all, anyone can take some quick pics of your family, but you want more than that, you want treasured moments.

The Pre-session consult includes discussing the best type of package, location and expectations during the shoot. I am also always happy to include my professional opinion for clothing choices as well. I have put together many articles that focus on starting in your own closet first and adding little pieces of clothing into the mix. You don’t need to go broke just for the photo shoot. I usually recommend many of my clothing finds from Target, Tj Maxx and Old navy.

Since I understand it is a large investment, NEW this year and included with my Signature Family and Newborn sessions is a custom 8x8 photo book and Video. I believe after all, you should receive more than just digital images from your session. The photo book is hand selected and created by me, featuring the favorite photos. I am so excited to be offering a Video new this year. This will be a collection of behind the scenes and photos all put together like a slideshow. Oh cool is that.

My overall goal is to create a beautiful and lasting experience for you. If you are thinking of family photos for the spring and summer it is better to book more sooner than later. My 2020 calendar is starting to fill. Please contact me today for your next custom photo session.

Family Photography | Cleveland, Ohio | Mentor, Ohio

It’s not too early to start thinking about family photography for 2020. My summer calendar fill up quickly so if you are planning on getting outdoor family portraits its best to contact more sooner than later. Spring and Summer photography is a great time for photos outdoors. I recommend many local parks and areas throughout the Lake County Ohio area. Please contact me to book your next family session.

Now Booking Christmas Tree Farm Minis | Cleveland, Ohio | Mini Photography

I am excited to announce I am now booking Christmas Tree Farm mini sessions at a local tree farm. The sessions are for 20 minutes and you will receive 12 digital images. They are 1 day only.

Please contact me if interested in booking a session.

SOLD OUT FOR 2019!! CONTACT ME TO BE ADDED TO THE MAILING LIST

Beautiful in home session with a precious little lady

There is something so special about those first few months when your newborn is brought home. Everything is so very fresh, new, exciting and precious all wrapped up together. Its these little moments you wish you could stop time and soak it all in. It all happens so fast from the moment you bring them home you blink and they are riding their bike. This is why hitting the pause button with photography is so important for any new family. Doing the in home lifestyle photography sessions have become a new favorite of mine. These are not posed, unpractical and stiff images. More like natural, candid and breath taking is a better way to describe lifestyle photography. I had so much fun with the H family and their new baby girl. We were able to capture so many beautiful shots throughout the home while working on the baby's timetable. If you are considering newborn photography it is best to book prior to delivery. Please contact me for more information on my newborn packages.