Title: Sibling Rivalry
Category: Positive Parenting
Sibling rivalry has been with us since Cain and Abel.
All first born children are upset when they begin to receive less
attention from Mom and Dad because of a new addition to the family.
This is to be expected and not anything to be overly concerned about.
Studies show that firstborn who have a good relationship with their
mother suffer even more when the new infant arrives because they are used to
getting lots of attention from her. This
may intensify the sibling rivalry for a while but again is normal and
appropriate.
One of the best ways to help a child who is experiencing frustration
because of a new infant in the home is to give them lots of extra individual
attention. Also, try and
incorporate them in the care of the new baby so that they feel it is their baby
and they are part of the excitement and newness.
As the children grow older these resentments will erupt into fights,
jealousies, picking and occasionally serious dislike of each other and attacks
upon each
However, if one child is truly bullying another and hurting them then the
parent must become a referee and separate them.
One of the best ways to get them to be more cooperative and to play
together in a more positive way is to give them each chores every time they get
into a fight. This will usually send them in the direction of greater
harmony very quickly.