Concerning the adaptation of other family members, mainly siblings and grandparents, to the newborn, ...

Concerning the adaptation of other family members, mainly siblings and grandparents, to the newborn, nurses should be aware that:
 
  1. sibling rivalry cannot be dismissed as overblown psychobabble; it can take a long time for negative feelings/behaviors to blow over.
  2. participation in preparation classes helps both siblings and grandparents.
  3. in the United States, paternal and maternal grandparents consider themselves of equal importance and status.
  4. since 1990, the number of grandparents providing permanent care to their grand-children has been decreasing.