Free Articles on Parenting and many other topics Another free Parenting article for you

Search:

Sibling Rivalry Might Look Scary But Are Really Normal

Sibling rivalry happens in most families and is very common. Don't panic when your children argue and fight because it is a natural part of the growing up process. It doesnt happen in every family but happens in plenty.

As long as the children have a good relationship and seem otherwise happy, it is nothing to worry about. If sibling rivalry causes unhappiness in a child, this should be dealt with. Ignoring it will not make it go away and it could cause your child problems when it comes to making and maintaining relationships with others in the future.

Reasons for siblings to be jealous of one another, to provoke one another and for sibling rivalry include:

Jealousy or aggressive personalities

Low self-esteem

Very little social skills

People suffering from low self-esteem tend to be unhappy with themselves and seek validation from others, especially family members. If their view is outwardly focused in this way, they can become envious and think others are better than them. If this person also lacks social skills, they might relieve their frustration by "acting up" with their siblings. He or she might also be provoked easily. This is the main cause of sibling rivalry.

Dealing with Sibling Rivalry

The solution to dealing with unhealthy sibling rivalries is to do so indirectly if you can. Dealing directly means you risk alienation by seeming to take sides. This can result in the child feeling victimized, blaming you and becoming withdrawn or aggressive.

Tips on dealing with sibling rivalry:

Make sure the child has plenty of attention, love and support.

Spend time with the child in question. This boost self-esteem and makes him feel important.

Find the reason that the child is unhappy.

Encourage your child to confide in you. Don't shout because this has an adverse effect on the situation.

When he is calmed down ask him to tell you what he would say to a friend if his friend was in that situation, he might come up with something that could help him.

Discuss the situation with your childs teacher at school and other adults that work with this child. Keep in mind the amount of experience that school teachers have with children your childs teacher may be able to assist you in coming up with the plan to help your child.

If needed, you can visit a child psychologist just for information (dont bring the child along).

At any age a child can start provocation and jealousy. This is usually started in childhood when the child is finding who he is. This might also start when the child hits puberty, adulthood, or adolescence; it just depends on where they live and what kind of life they live. It is easier to deal with if the child is younger because when they grow up and move out they arent going to want your advice.

Sibling Rivalries in adulthood

If you have adult siblings are having a problem that is affecting the whole family it is time to intervene. Here are some ways to intervene:

If you have a good relationship with your child, try to get him to discuss the problem. Remain impartial and don't me judgmental.

You might want to get a fresh eye on the subject; get a close friend or relative to help you with dealing with the problem and talk to the child.

Have a third party discuss this with your children. This can be a close personal friend or a distant relative.

Talk to the sibling who is more receptive to advice first. Use tact and digression when approaching this subject with either of your children.

Building self-esteem in a child is not easy, even more if you have let things get too carried away. Keep working through it and dont give up. Some of the most happy and successful people out there have a hard life of bad sibling relationships growing up but they got it all worked out in the end, so if you really try and truly make an effort you will work it out.

Article Source: http://free-article-depot.com

Click to hearparenting advice, tips, and deep observations about sibling rivalry . You and your whole family be glad you did!

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Parenting Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Home & Family | Parenting

Home | Home & Family | Parenting

Article Directory Software
Click here to download the exact software that powers this directory for FREE. Start your own article directory today!

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Please visit our Sponsors and get FREE stuff! They are the ones responsible for this site being available to you!

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

About Us
Site Blog
Forum
Link to Us
Advertise With Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Our Link Partners