People often see siblings’ rivalry as a problem. Well, it’s not a problem; it becomes a problem when it is beyond control. Siblings’ rivalry is inevitable, as long as there is more than one child in the house.
Most parents get tired of always getting to see their kids fight each other. Also, some parents feel the process of the rivalry can spur up hatred among siblings, lack of respect, etc.
What Is Siblings Rivalry?
Sibling rivalry can be described as the dispute between children brought up in the same family. In most cases, it occurs between blood-related siblings, step-sibling and also among adopted siblings.
Some Factors That Brings Up Siblings Rivalry
•Age Differences: Age is a huge factor that springs up rivalry among siblings, older siblings tend to be involved in a dispute with younger siblings and younger siblings doesn’t want to feel too easy they always want to fight back.
•Temperament and Personality: Kids don’t behave the same way they all have different personality and temperament. Siblings who have an easy personality get treated differently by parents than siblings who have a difficult personality.
•Parenting Style: Parenting style of parents determines the actions of children, parenting style ranges from being very aggressive and overly harsh to very permissive and overly strict, Children raised in families at either end of this sequence tend to fight more.
•Arrival of New Siblings: Sometimes the birth of a new sibling can also breed siblings rivalry, depending on the situation and the family structure.
•Physical Influences: Hunger, fatigue, illness, and developmental imbalance can affect siblings’ relationships, even if just until the children’s physical needs are addressed. Siblings living in a small house or apartment who have to share a room might argue more because of their close and frequent proximity.
How to Deal With Siblings Rivalry
•Parents should pay attention to certain patterns that lead to discord among children.
•Parents should abstain from comparing their children to one another.
•As a parent don’t try to referee a discord that’s sprung up if you don’t know what happened.
•Treat your children uniquely as they are
•Don’t show favouritism
•Do not compare your children to one another be it favourably or unfavourably.
•Foster cooperation rather than competition