As soon as your second child becomes mobile, whether by crawling or toddling, expect some conflict as they invade your first child’s space. Maintaining peace in your home can be challenging, but there are effective techniques to prevent and manage sibling disputes.
Initially, your new baby won’t seem like a threat to your firstborn’s beloved toys, personal space, or their cherished role as the primary focus of attention. However, once your baby starts crawling and grabbing items, the competition will certainly heat up. Toddlers and young preschoolers are often characterized by their possessiveness; everything they see is “mine!” Babies, on the other hand, aren’t exactly known for their respect of boundaries. Moreover, the constant attention lavished on your newborn might leave your firstborn feeling sidelined. If your older child is under three, they may still struggle to grasp the concept of sharing, particularly with a little sibling who disrupts their territory.
Tips for Fostering a Rivalry-Free Environment
So how can you foster a mostly rivalry-free environment for your kids in the long run? Here are some tips:
Teach Sharing
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Sharing and taking turns can be difficult, even for adults. Like any social skill, these important lessons need to be taught. Start by setting a good example. Teach by demonstration: share a muffin with both kids, let them take turns using your device, or involve them in choosing dinner. Make sure they see you and your partner practicing sharing in everyday situations (“There’s only one cookie left, let’s split it”) or letting someone go ahead of you in line at the store. This will help them understand the value of sharing.
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In summary, sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up, but with patience and the right strategies, you can help your children learn to share and coexist peacefully.