How do you introduce a second child without upsetting the first?

Expect some regression and jealousy regardless of preparation — it is a genuine loss of status from their perspective. What helps: preparing them in general terms rather than with a precise timeline, keeping their routines as stable as possible around the birth, protecting some one-to-one time with each parent, and involving them in small real tasks rather than symbolic ones. Avoid framing changes as being because of the baby. And allow negative feelings to be spoken rather than corrected — a child who can say they wish the baby would leave is easier to help than one who cannot.