Do My Children Display Sibling Rivalry?

Do your children feel that they are not given a fair share of attention?

Do your children feel left out and unnoticed, and therefore tattle to get attention?

Are your children constantly arguing?

Do your children compete to win your attention?

Is there sibling jealousy?

Do your children engage in name-calling because they are angry or frustrated?

Are your children constantly fighting?

Do your children refuse to share with each other?

While it is unlikely that your children display sibling rivalry, they may be displaying one or two signs related to it. If you have children, you know that I can be hard sometimes to maintain the peace at home. Sibling rivalry usually occurs when siblings compete for their parent’s attention and respect. If you know when to intervene and how, it really can make a difference in how your children relate to each other and the general atmosphere at home. For parents, it may be important to respect each child’s needs, to avoid comparisons, and set rules. Also, make sure to listen to your kids, to encourage good behavior, and to show love and care.

Based on your answers, your children are displaying some signs related to sibling rivalry. It’s normal that siblings fight or argue; sibling rivalry is definitely not uncommon. Sibling rivalry usually occurs when siblings compete for their parents’ attention and respect. By treating your children as individuals with unique needs, listening to them, and giving them the tools to take care of their own problems, you will stimulate solid sibling relationships and minimize fighting and jealousy between siblings.

Unfortunately, your children are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who are involved in sibling rivalry. Sibling rivalry is common and something all parents with two children or more eventually deal with. Disagreements are normal, however, as a parent you can do something to minimize jealousy and fighting between siblings. How you deal with sibling rivalry will affect the way you kids relate to each other. Therefore, it may be important to respect each child’s needs, to avoid comparisons, and set rules. Also, make sure to listen to your kids, to encourage good behavior, and to show love and care.