Sibling Rivalry and Possible Solutions
Welcome to the world of sibling rivalry, if you have more than one child at home. It is an age-old problem experienced by previous generations. Sibling rivalry is not age related issue. Differences can come about anyway with any age group.
Main reason for sibling rivalry is because the children do not get enough of their parents love and affection. When they feel so, they do not know how to express the feeling and it manifests into something else like sibling rivalry.
Most of the times, sibling rivalry is caused by the arrival of a new baby in the house. The older children experience jealousy when they see the new born getting all the attention. Again, that depends on age factor. If the siblings are close to each other in age, it brings in a lot of left-out feeling in the older child.
There is no ready made formula for the parents to solve this age old problem, but they can surely use a few tactics that will solve the issue to a considerable level.
• All children want to be special to their parents and they long for attention and appreciation. A hug, a kiss or a loving word and an outward show of affection can do the trick and make a lot of difference to the children’ psyche.
• Parents’ behavior can play a major role in sibling rivalry. If they start arguing and quarrelling for every little thing, the kids assume that is the way to be in life. Avoid by all means arguing in front of the kids or even otherwise.
• Parents can show how much they love each other so that children can feel secure and peaceful while growing up.
• Give freedom to handle their conflicts and find solutions themselves. Parents can do that by not interfering too much in their conflicts. At the same time be firm in letting them know that they cannot hurt themselves physically and have to stop being aggressive or violent.
• Do not let the fight get out of hand. Instead, try the age old system of punishment, time-out. Choose a place for time out and be firm in sending them to it for a prescribed period of time, especially the one who started the fight and who is unreasonable about it. That will give them time to cool down. Once they calm down, you can reason it out with them and make them to apologize to the other.
• Avoid comparing one to the other. Be a role model. Create a calm and secure atmosphere at home. Love and also demonstrate your love to them.
