Sister Jealousy
How Should Parents Be Treated to a Child Experiencing Sibling Jealousy?
Sometimes it can be difficult for children to accept their sibling. It is normal for a child who lives alone with his parents and whose attention is only on him, to see his sibling as a danger. For the child, the “sibling” will share the love and attention of the parent. He may worry that his family’s love and attention will diminish. Sibling jealousy may not be experienced in the same way in every family; It may vary according to the family and child relationship, the personality characteristics of the child and the age of the child. The state of thinking that love and interest will decrease in children can be seen more frequently in children under the age of 3 and whose age difference is less than 2-3 years, especially with their siblings. Sibling jealousy in children is very common. Well, how should parents who experience sibling jealousy in their home treat their children;
– It is important to prepare an environment where the child can express their feelings comfortably. For example; Do you know? It is important to provide an environment for him to share his feelings with sentences such as “I felt similar feelings when my brother was born.”
It’s important to help him identify his feelings. For example; Instead of saying, “You’re so lucky to have a sibling,” it’s more accurate to say, “I know it’s hard not to make a sound when your brother is sleeping,” and will help describe his feelings.
– In response to the child’s requests, instead of saying, “I have to take care of your brother now, your brother needs to sleep, we can’t play or go to the park right now.” Saying, “We can all play or go to the park when your father comes.” Here we can prevent him from feeling that his wishes are not fulfilled because of his brother.
-It is important not to get involved in problems between siblings if they do not cause physical harm to each other. It’s important not to ask questions like, “Who started it.”
-It is important to avoid sentences such as “You are a big brother”, “You are a grown up now”, that the family considers to take sides and that impose responsibility in the problems experienced between siblings.
It is important not to make any changes in your older child’s life with the birth of the baby. For example; after the baby is born, changing the room of the older child or giving it to the nursery, etc. If a change is to be made, it must be done before the baby is born.
-It is not right to make a separation between siblings, on the contrary, it is important to develop a good relationship with the baby by giving the child small tasks.
