THE news that Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were expecting their first baby together, made quite an impact on the world.
Holding up a sign at Blink 182 singer Travis’ gig, Kourtney made sure she revealed her pregnancy in a way that was a little different from the Instagram posts we are used to.
Kourtney, 44, has previously shared how she and Travis, 47, wish to grow their blended family.
Kourtney has three children from her relationship with ex, Scott Disick, 40, Mason, 13, Penelope, 11, and Reign, 8.
Meanwhile Travis has three children from his relationship with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, 48, Landan, 19, and Alabama, 17, as well as his stepdaughter Atiana, 24, who Travis helped raise during their relationship.
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Kourtney has previously shared with her mom, Kris, 67, about the couple's attempts to have a baby via IVF.
However, during the Season 3 premiere of The Kardashians, Kourtney revealed that they had decided to end their IVF journey, due to the physical and emotional toll of the process.
In June, the oldest Kardashian sister used a handmade sign to announce she was expecting her first child with husband Travis while he performed on stage.
Although no due date has been revealed, it is thought that baby Barker will make an appearance in the next couple of months.
While Kourtney and Travis's wish for more children has come true, it is unclear how their other seven children feel.
When the couple got engaged, fans blasted them for snubbing Kourtney’s three kids, who were excluded from their surprise engagement party.
Now, with a baby on the way, there has been no word on the feelings of the children.
Kourtney and Travis will need to make sure that the kids are properly prepared for the new arrival, to ensure that there is no jealousy or resentment.
A new baby is a big change for a family, blended or not.
It can cause siblings to feel worried, upset, or insecure because their position in the family is changing, or that that they will have less time with their parents.
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In a blended family, like Kourtney and Travis’s, they may feel that the baby belongs to their parent and stepparent, and not them.
It is important that Kourtney and Travis chat with all their children about any concerns that they may have, so that they can reassure them, letting them know that they are all individually loved.
They should also emphasize that there is plenty of time to get used to the idea, and point out the positives of having another sibling.
Getting the kids involved in the prep can make things a bit more positive and exciting.
It will help them feel that the change is about everybody in the family and not just the baby.
Letting the kids choose things for the baby and feel the baby kick are great ways for them to feel included.
It is important not to go overboard on the excitement front though, so Kourtney and Travis should follow their children’s lead and also make sure that the baby’s space is similar to the other kids' space.
That way there is no resentment that the baby has more than them.
Once the baby arrives, it is important that Kourtney carves out time for her other children each day.
Sitting and eating together, reading, or playing a game, will help make sure the older kids still feel connected to her.
If any jealousy arises, she should be empathetic and validate how they feel, while making sure that they understand the needs of the baby and that they are still very much loved.
As Kourtney’s children are older, they may enjoy being given some responsibilities, such as walking the baby around the garden in the pram, fetching things that she may need, and playing with the baby.
These are things they will need to be shown how to do safely.
It is important though, that the kids are not pressured into spending time with the baby if they don’t want to.
Allowing the kids some space and time to figure out the dynamics can be helpful and mean that the new baby will slot into their lives much easier.
As the baby grows, Kourtney and Travis need to ensure that the baby and their older siblings are all treated the same; the same family rules apply, and the same consequences for breaking them.
This makes all the children equal and more likely to get along together happily.
Kirsty Ketley is a parenting consultant and mom-of-two.
