Our site uses cookies to make your experience on this site even better. We hope you think that is sweet.
Siblings are often the best of friends and the worst of enemies.
Ever visualized the most common scene of the older child (irrespective of the age), getting uncomfortable at the thought of the mother getting ready to welcome a new member into the family household? You will hear frantic, derisive cries, notice haughty, uncontrollably rude behavior and more. And lo and behold, sibling rivalry starts right there! Stemming out of discomfort, it grows into added attributes of jealousy, unhealthy competition among siblings and frequent fights. This is usually noticed in families comprising of two or more kids and is often a cause of worry and stress for the parents.
No matter how common or how usual it is to see siblings fight with each other, yet as parents we’d all like our kids to be pally with each other all the time. So why do siblings fight? It is beyond any doubt that lots of these sibling rivalries start when one child gets conscious of the other receiving more attention. Some reasons that could spark of sibling rivalry are:
The feelings of jealousy, competition and fighting between brothers and sisters start taking roots very, very early in life. In short, the very arrival of a second child, signals it and changes the dynamics of a family altogether. The elder child soon starts feeling left out, because of the constant attention the parents give to the newborn baby. And these feelings of jealousy can foster seeds of rivalry in the young, impressionable minds. Though it is a given that parents give most of their time and attention to the new baby to avoid any mistakes, yet a young child is not matured to understand this. Sibling rivalry is largely observed during the entire childhood span and if left unchecked, can continue into adulthood. However, working out things with your kids will make them closer together, be co-operative and appreciative of each other and consider other person’s point of view as well.
Siblings tend to get aggressive with each other when an unhealthy competition sets in among themselves. One child faring better at school or being talented in a certain way, leads to the birth of jealousy in the other, coupled with a noticeable sense of favoritism showered by the parent, mostly due to parental pride about the achiever child, a behavior which the other insecure child silently observes and negatively reacts to.
Sibling rivalry when left unchecked by the parents, can lead to disastrous consequences and is it is best to make efforts to nip it in the bud. Few tips can be considered as a way forward in this approach.
Parents and specifically mothers have a bigger responsibility to play in this aspect. From the very beginning, mommies need to sensitize the older child or children, about the arrival of a new member into the family right from the time that she is expecting it. Speak and increase in them the sense of caring and sharing together; speak more about the benefits involved in having a sibling alongside. Never let them feel left out upon the arrival of the new one. Don’t ever discriminate among them and this will help in curbing sibling rivalry.
Come on, sell the idea of signing up with us in two lines so well that they HAVE to sign up.
10 Best Bouncers For Babies
10 Best Swaddling Blankets For Your Baby
10 Positive Changes In Men After They Become Fathers
5 Thoughtful Big Brother Gifts for Toddlers
8 Amazing Sex Secrets For New Parents
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.