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SUMMARY: THIS ARTICLE TACKLES THE ISSUE OF SIBLING RIVALRY. IT EXPLORES THE POSSIBLE EVOLUTIONARY ROOTS OF SIBLING RIVALRY AND PROVIDES ADVICE ON HOW SIBLINGS CAN IMPROVE THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. A QUIZ […]

Favoring one child over another by parents is normal, but parents should be careful not to show their favoritism. They can do this listening to their spouse or children if they are revealing favoritism, finding positive things about the less-favored child, and not trying to overcompensate.

Older children often become emotionally distraught when a new younger sibling enters the family. Parents can prepare for problems such as jealousy, regression, fear and anger in their older children by talking things out with them. Conflict resolution suggestions are given.

Sibling rivalry is common behavior between children, and can be of concern to working parents. Rules and ways to modify such behavior are described and include rewarding good behavior, having private time with each child and examining the home environment for hidden stress factors.

Three questions on sibling rivalry, renovating a home for a disabled individual and disclosure of pregnancy to the boss are presented. Expert advice from a psychologist, a general contractor and a career planning professional are given.

The nature of sibling rivalry stems from the need of children to feel loved by their parents, and parents can help reduce this by leaving the children alone or mediating the disagreement. Creative resolutions should be based on what the children believe is good, not the parents.

I feel like a spinning top," Marsha, a mother of three, confessed to me. "No matter how hard I try to make sure all my kids get their fair share, […]

Respect is an essential ingredient of harmonious sibling relationships. Parents can develop respect between their kids by exhibiting respectful behavior, avoiding comparisons between siblings and allowing their children to solve their problems themselves.

Tips for parents on helping an older sibling have a good relationship with a new baby are presented. These include making the older child feel loved, encouraging the older child to help with the baby, and calming the older child when he or she becomes jealous.

Siblings who become parents may compete against each other to be the better parent, mimicking their rival relationship of childhood. They may also compare the abilities of each other's babies. Siblings should try to support each other through their parallel experiences of parenthood.

Q I have two friends with babies a little older than mine. They act like they know what's best for my daughter! When they start giving me their 'suggestions,' I [...]

Byline: Brittni Greene Second baby on the way? If your to-do list doesn't include preparing your older child--who could be feeling anxious or resentful--you may feel like you have two […]

These tips will help you get peace, quiet and privacy from your siblings. Does your sister Does your brother The scene takes place in the living room of a house […]

Most of us go to heroic lengths to head off tensions between kids: We divvy up bags of M&M's into precise portions, give artwork equal representation on the fridge, buy […]

Andrew Maybe you should ask your parents if you can have a family meeting. At the meeting, you can talk about your problem and tell them how you feel. Maybe [...]

Q My little brother struggles in school, so every time he gets a B, my parents jump for joy. But they never even notice my straight A's. What do I [...]

Parents who are expecting a new baby and have older small children must make the older child feel wanted. Making personal time with the older child and emphasizing their role as a sibling may appease their worries. Children may also regress at this time.

From Cane and Abel to Linus and Lucy, Wally and the Beaver to Bart and Lisa Simpson, sibling rivalry is the stuff of legend and comedy. But when it presents [...]

Q My 5-year-old is jealous of his 3-year-old autistic brother. How can I help him understand we love them equally? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Moms don't like to admit it, but we […]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Allison Gentala, mom of Nathan, 6, Brennan, 5, and Abigail, 3, Gilbert, AZ * Do not engage. That's exactly what they want you to do. * If you […]