Final answer:
The nurse should advise the parents to allow the 7-year-old child to express feelings and ask questions, involve them in caring for the newborn to foster a sense of responsibility and affection, and ensure they feel like an integral part of the family's growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should suggest that to aid the family's 7-year-old child in accepting the new family member, it is important to allow the child to express feelings and ask questions. This approach helps the child to communicate any uncertainties or fears they may have regarding the new addition to the family. It is essential to involve the child in the process of family bonding and to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Also, including the child in the care of the newborn can help to foster a sense of responsibility and affection towards their new sibling. Strategies such as reading to the baby together, letting the child assist with simple tasks, or encouraging gentle play can contribute to a positive relationship between the siblings. It's important to make this transition a family effort, ensuring that the 7-year-old feels an integral part of the family's growth.
Remember, family is the primary agent of socialization, so involving the child in family activities and discussions is crucial in socializing them into their expanded family role. The gentle touch, interaction, and nurturing behavior exemplified in Harlow's research contributes to bonding and should be encouraged between the older sibling and the newborn.