Sibling Rivalry: Understanding and Managing Tension Between Siblings

When siblings compete, don't worry, this is a common occurrence in families. This rivalry often arises due to feelings of jealousy, especially if one child feels that they are not receiving enough attention from their parents. Unfortunately, the competition can persist into adulthood if not addressed properly. Therefore, it is important for parents to understand the causes and take appropriate action.

Usually, sibling rivalry occurs more frequently between siblings who are close in age, such as being only 1-2 years apart. Jealousy can arise when a child feels that parental attention is divided after the birth of a sibling.

Although this rivalry is common, if left unchecked, it can damage sibling relationships. Therefore, parents need to act as mediators and address this issue.

The main causes of sibling rivalry are usually jealousy due to feeling inadequate attention from parents. This happens when a child perceives that one sibling receives more attention. Additionally, children under 2 years old at the time of their sibling's birth tend to experience rivalry because they do not yet understand the concept of siblings and fair attention.

Parents can also exacerbate sibling rivalries by praising only one child, comparing their achievements or fostering direct competition between them.

To tackle sibling rivalry effectively:

Stay calm when dealing with their arguments.

Create a cooperative environment by encouraging children to discuss and find solutions together.

Treat children fairly.

Teach empathy to help them understand their siblings' feelings.

Establish fair and neutral rules.

With appropriate attention and approach, parents can help their children understand and overcome this competition so that sibling relationships become more harmonious.