Sibling rivalry presents its ugly head in many households with more than one kid. This is usually characteristic of fighting, shouting, annoying each other, and so forth. Often times, the children may seek an ally in their parents. Naturally, parents try and remain neutral, and allow the children to work out their differences. While this is effective, and teaches the children to handle problems, there are times in which parents may need to step-in and intervene. This includes situations that have escalated to physical violence. Of course, not all cases of sibling rivalry involve violence. In most cases, children may have developed a healthy competitive nature.
Unfortunately, parents can often contribute to sibling rivalry. In households with multiple children, it is common for one child to feel left out or unloved. Sometimes, middle-child syndrome plays a huge role. Additionally, parents constantly identifying children as bad seeds and good seeds may contribute to rivalry, even if the labeling is meant as a joke.
There are ways to overcome sibling rivalry. In most cases, the rivalry resolves with time. Yet, sibling rivalry may carry into adulthood. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and overcome sibling rivalry, which will result in children feeling equaled and competent.
• Don’t Compare: Making comparisons is a common mistake made by parents. For example, if one child was able to achieve high grades in school, parents may expect other children to do the same. Understandably, parents want their children to do well in school. However, if an older child is exceptional in a particular area, don’t put undue pressure on other children. This may stir up resentment among siblings. Moreover, it can create a rift between parent and child.
• Acknowledge Feelings: If one child is jealous of a sibling’s achievements and abilities, parents should acknowledge their child’s feelings and encourage them to discover unique talents of their own. Some parents dismiss hurt feelings, or focus too much attention on the smarter or more successful offspring.
Unfortunately, parents can often contribute to sibling rivalry. In households with multiple children, it is common for one child to feel left out or unloved. Sometimes, middle-child syndrome plays a huge role. Additionally, parents constantly identifying children as bad seeds and good seeds may contribute to rivalry, even if the labeling is meant as a joke.
There are ways to overcome sibling rivalry. In most cases, the rivalry resolves with time. Yet, sibling rivalry may carry into adulthood. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and overcome sibling rivalry, which will result in children feeling equaled and competent.
• Don’t Compare: Making comparisons is a common mistake made by parents. For example, if one child was able to achieve high grades in school, parents may expect other children to do the same. Understandably, parents want their children to do well in school. However, if an older child is exceptional in a particular area, don’t put undue pressure on other children. This may stir up resentment among siblings. Moreover, it can create a rift between parent and child.
• Acknowledge Feelings: If one child is jealous of a sibling’s achievements and abilities, parents should acknowledge their child’s feelings and encourage them to discover unique talents of their own. Some parents dismiss hurt feelings, or focus too much attention on the smarter or more successful offspring.
- Parents must avoid making comparisons between children.
- If a child is jealous of a sibling, parents should acknowledge hurt feelings.
- Spending equal time with children can lessen rivalry.
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