by Ivan Remaj

Created on: November 19, 2009

Sibling rivalry is a competition that has been going on since forever. In every culture you will find at least a small mention of this. Why is that? Because sibling rivalry is completely natural. We can see this in nature from a simple games of fighting to the more vicious form that can lead even to killing. A few examples from a human world would certainly be Cain and Abel, a number of Shakespeare's work and in this modern times many television shows. Freud believed that this type of rivalry is an extension of Oedipus complex. Today psychology teaches us that that there are some key factors that can induce sibling rivalry. Most obvious is parental treatment of their children and personalities of the children. Studies show that siblings rivalry is more intense if children are close in age and are of the same sex. Of course if one of the children is specially gifted (like intellectually or has athletic skills) than this problem will become bigger.

Ways to handle siblings rivalry:

1. ATTENTION: parents have a tough time with one child. If there is another one you will certainly have more tasks and responsibilities but you will not get much more help. Key to solve this problem is attention. You never should try to solve 2 problems at once. One at the time is a way to handle this. this will make your life much easier and children will learn to be patient. Never ever neglect one child. It can be very devastating for that child's development.

2.UNITY - you mustn't compare your children even if one is a so special he could change the world. If you love your children equally you should treat them that way. Another thing is to try and promote unity and generosity. Help them develop close and trusting relationship with one another. This will teach them social skills, teamwork and they will be able to count on each other in any situation as kids and later as responsible adults.

3:JUSTICE - You know that kids love to fight about anything from who can eat more to toys. If they are arguing about something, set with them and start a conversation and try to find a solution. For example if they are arguing about who gets to play with a teddy bear don't let them argue indefinitely. Teach them the importance of sharing, playing together and if they still can't compromise them be firm and take their toy until they find a way to solve this problem. It may be cruel but it will teach them to solve their own problems.

4.COMPETITION - Sibling tend to compete with one another. In this

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>