Introduction

Parents frequently worry about sibling rivalry or fighting between the sibling srivalry. A certain level of conflict between children in a family is common, and it helps kids learn the value of solving conflicts on their own and the necessity of respecting others’ feelings and possessions.

Children may benefit from practicing conflict resolution skills in the family context so they may resolve conflicts in other relationships in the future.

As learning to live together can be challenging when juggling the various ages, needs, and personalities involved, some sibling rivalry is typical. The changing demands of children as they progress through different developmental stages can have a big influence on how they interact and react to one another.

Causes of Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry and fighting are typically brought on by jealousy and competition.

As a result, a kid may try to “take it out” on their sibling if they believe their sibling is getting more affection or attention from their parents. Sibling rivalry is less common in households where children perceive equitable parental treatment.

Other elements that might affect the frequency of sibling conflict include:

Gender and age – When children are the same gender and close in age, sibling rivalry is most likely to emerge.

Toddlers are starting to exert their will and can get possessive of their things. The youngster may respond violently if a sibling tries to take one of their toys.

Children of school age have a strong sense of justice and equality and may not comprehend why a younger sibling is given more attention.

Teenagers may hate having to spend time caring for younger siblings or assisting with housework when they are beginning to acquire a feeling of uniqueness and independence, which can fuel sibling rivalry.

Individual personalities and temperaments – For instance, siblings who don’t seek out or don’t receive the same treatment from their parents may feel resentment if one child has a tendency to cling to and be pulled to parents for their love and attention.

Sibling with special needs – a youngster may notice how much time and attention their sibling spends and act out to get attention since they don’t comprehend the scenario.

Parents establish good examples for their children to follow, and how parents handle disagreements and difficulties has a big influence on how kids get along and handle disagreements on their own. For instance, the probability that the children of such parents would adopt these strategies is boosted when the parents settle their conflicts in a courteous and constructive manner. It’s crucial for parents to control sibling conflict.

How parents can prevent sibling rivalry

• To prevent sibling rivalry, spend particular time with each child on a regular basis.
• Together, establish ground rules for proper conduct, such as no screaming, punching, or calling others names.
• Give kids their own space and time so they may be independent. For instance, the freedom to play with toys alone or the ownership of a unique item that they are not required to share. Sibling rivalry will be lessened as a result.
• Avoid comparing kids to one another.
• Be kind and affectionate.
• Laugh and play as a family. This will provide a calm environment for kids to interact. Some nice methods to accomplish this include playing board games, tossing a ball, or watching a movie together.

If involvement from parents is required…

• Keep children apart until they are quiet. This will prevent the altercation from getting worse and give the situation time to calm down. The altercation can be reviewed later as a lesson.
• Even when they are more irritated with one child than the others, parents should be mindful of their own emotions and act fairly.
• Try to avoid picking sides; everyone involved bears some of the blame.
• Create a “win-win” scenario where each child benefits. For instance, consider playing a game with the kids if they both wanted to play with the same item.
• Reminding kids of the rules will lessen sibling conflict.

·         Help them to be sensitive to one another’s sentiments. If necessary, help them come up with solutions to the issue and lessen sibling conflict.

·         Avoid getting engaged in the brawl if at all possible. Children gain valuable life skills as they learn to resolve conflicts, including how to value another person’s viewpoint, compromise and negotiate, and control violent urges.

However, if it’s clear that a youngster is angry, try to find a means for them to communicate that before a conflict breaks out. For example, younger children can play with play dough or water, while older children can run or listen to music.

Sibling rivalry can occasionally grow so intense that it interferes with everyday activities and has a serious emotional impact on children.

How can TalktoAngel help

TalktoAngel can assist you with managing sibling rivalry in a variety of ways. Contact TalktoAngel if you think your family might need some help with sibling conflict.

Our skilled Child Psychologists will provide you with individual counseling and treatment.

If your child is suffering from stress, anxiety or sibling rivalry disorder and you are looking for “Child Therapist near me”   you can consult TalktoAngel an online platform with the best and highly qualified Child psychologists.