How To Avoid Sibling Jealousy

Jealousy is a natural feeling in human beings that arises from the fear of losing an emotional bond. In a family, it is a normal emotion that appears before the arrival of a new sibling: the child feels that his parents’ affection is at stake.
How To Avoid Jealousy Between Siblings

It is important to know how to act to avoid jealousy between siblings so that this does not generate conflicting situations in the future.

Some experts say that jealousy appears spontaneously at the news of the birth of a new baby.

So, this feeling is part of a period of adaptation of the child to the idea that she is no longer the center of attention for the whole family. Foreboding the loss of love or the attention of the people most important to her can trigger several consequences.

Although it’s normal,

parents should avoid sibling jealousy as far as possible.

If jealousy is excessive, it can lead the little ones to depression, anxiety or develop low self-esteem. This can be harmful and trigger lifelong after-effects. Furthermore, when in excess, jealousy can generate a progressive tension that affects the entire family group.

Jealousy between siblings: causes

Fear is the first foundation of jealousy

. The child is overwhelmed by the anguish of losing his parents’ love and affection. This feeling appears the moment she feels that his emotions are not being returned or not as often or as intensely as he wants.

Another cause of the appearance of jealousy is the change in the mother’s attitude towards the birth of a new child.

This change can be difficult to tolerate for a child used to a certain way of relating to his parents. The child may interpret that he is being replaced.

It also happens from

parents use persuasion techniques with their children that can be harmful.

From phrases such as “if you don’t eat, mom will not play with you”, the child may have a misinterpretation. In other words, the mother will only play with the child who fulfills her wishes, that is, with the one who eats.

Comparisons are also one of the main causes of jealousy.

and should be avoided under all circumstances. Every child is unique and should be valued as such.

But older siblings aren’t the only ones likely to have

jealousy.

Younger siblings may also be jealous of older ones. Even mutual jealousy can arise. Whenever a sibling feels that the other is being treated preferentially, there is a risk that jealousy will arise.

The Consequences of Jealousy Between Siblings

There may be unfavorable consequences on the behavior of children who feel jealous. These changes are the main motivation for parents to avoid jealousy between siblings:

– Adopt

aggressive or irritable behavior

– May be withdrawn or sad

– When they are small,

may experience a regression to earlier moments in their evolutionary development,

how to go back to bed-wetting or bottle-feeding again

tantrums

These behaviors are usually intended to get the attention you want.

How to avoid jealousy between siblings?

It’s very important, at all times,

strengthen children’s self-worth and self-esteem.

Insecurity between siblings must be reduced so that all members of the family group are integrated and know that parents’ feelings are shared fairly and transparently.

Fighting between siblings is one of the ways that children express fraternal jealousy.

When a new member is about to join the family, parents should have a lot of contact with the older sibling.

They should explain the upcoming changes, and let you share in the joy and positive aspects that the arrival of the new member will bring to the group.

in all

moments

it is advisable to maintain the child’s routine before a baby sibling arrives. Meal, sleep and bathroom schedules must remain unchanged.

Taking sides with one child or another is very harmful when some sibling conflict is generated.

Parents must stay away from these confrontations, leaving as far as possible the siblings to resolve themselves.

Parental understanding should be towards both children.

Everyone has a dose of reason and parents must be able to listen to both. Each, separately, must know that their parents understand their arguments and value their feelings. This is the best formula for avoiding jealousy between siblings.

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