Children with siblings can begin to develop feelings of jealousy and rivalry, believing that one sibling receives special treatment. Because parents are busy with work and home life, it is hard to spread attention among several children; one or more of the children may believe that their parents love their other children more. A small amount of rivalry between your children is a normal development, as this encourages them to try harder with chores, sports or academics. The arguments also teach your children how to hold their ground and defend themselves at school, according to Discover Education.
Step 1
Sit down with the siblings that are exhibiting jealousy and let them know their feelings are normal. Remind them that, even though they don't always like their sibling or the things they do, they do love each other, even though they might forget this love, suggests Discovery Education.
Step 2
Stop the jealous acting-out behavior as soon as you see it happening. Talk to your children and find out why they are fighting with each other. Separate them, if necessary, until they say they can get along with each other.
Step 3
Don't compare your children to each other, recommends Female Forum. Each of your children is his own individual person, with traits and qualities that belong only to him.
Step 4
Give each of your children some one-on-one time. This may not be easy, but, when one child is occupied with another activity, take the other child and give her some parent-time. Read, draw, build a puzzle or go for a walk.
Step 5
Give your older children the chance to work out any disputes with each other, suggests Discovery Education. Monitor, but don't take any part in their negotiations.
Step 6
Discipline each child the same, such as removal of a privilege or confinement to a quiet area of the home away from all siblings. When they see you treating both of them the same, they may think about their behavior in the future.
Tips and Warnings
- Look at how you and your spouse treat each other. If you fight, fight fair with no name-calling or shouting, according to Discover Education. Let your children know you have a zero-tolerance policy in your home for fighting, shouting, hitting or name-calling.
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