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Children from same parents can feel they are being treated partially to their disadvantage as compared to their sibling who is being given preferential treatment.
It is not healthy and the effects can linger on leading to bitterness and anger which may outlast the life of the parents.
There is a need for the parents to be watchful of their own behaviour across the board and address this issue comprehensively. Taking it lightly or ignoring it can be disastrous for the morale of the affected child.
The following aspects need to be kept in mind:-

Modeling Good Behavior
Modeling good behavior is crucial in teaching children how to treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy. As a parent, you are your child’s most significant role model. They observe and imitate your behavior, including how you interact with others.

– Be mindful of your behavior and reactions, especially in stressful situations.
– Demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respect towards others, including your children.
– Apologize and show remorse when you make mistakes, teaching your children accountability and humility.

By modeling good behavior, you’ll help your children develop essential social skills, empathy, and a strong moral compass.

Encouraging Teamwork

Encouraging teamwork is an excellent way to promote positive interactions between siblings. When children work together towards a common goal, they develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and cooperation.

– Engage your children in activities that promote teamwork, such as puzzles, games, or cooking.
– Encourage them to work together to achieve a common goal, like building a fort or creating a craft project.
– Praise and acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

By encouraging teamwork, you’ll help your children develop essential life skills, strengthen their bond, and build a stronger sense of family unity.

Praising Positive Behavior

Praising positive behavior is a powerful way to encourage kindness, empathy, and good behavior in children. When you acknowledge and appreciate their positive actions, you reinforce good behavior and motivate them to continue.

– Be specific with your praise, highlighting exactly what they did well.
– Focus on the behavior, not the child. Instead of saying “You’re such a good boy,” say “I really appreciate how you shared your toy with your sibling.”
– Be genuine and sincere with your praise. Children can tell when you’re being insincere.

By praising positive behavior, you’ll encourage your children to develop good habits, build their self-esteem, and strengthen your relationship with them.

Avoiding Comparisons

Comparing children can be damaging to their self-esteem, create unhealthy competition, and foster resentment towards each other. Avoid comparisons and focus on each child’s unique strengths, talents, and accomplishments.

– Refrain from comparing your children’s abilities, achievements, or behavior.
– Focus on each child’s individual strengths, talents, and interests.
– Celebrate each child’s unique accomplishments and milestones.

By avoiding comparisons, you’ll help your children develop a positive self-image, reduce competition and rivalry, and foster a more supportive and loving relationship between them.

Recognizing Unique Strengths

Recognizing each child’s unique strengths, talents, and interests is essential in fostering a positive self-image, promoting individuality, and reducing competition.

– Take an genuine interest in each child’s hobbies, passions, and interests.
– Acknowledge and appreciate each child’s unique strengths, talents, and accomplishments.
– Provide opportunities for each child to develop their skills and interests.

By recognizing unique strengths, you’ll help your children develop a positive self-image, build confidence, and foster a more supportive and loving relationship between them.

Providing Separate Spaces

Providing separate spaces for each child is essential in respecting their individuality, reducing conflict, and promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.

– Ensure each child has their own space, such as a bedroom or play area.
– Respect each child’s boundaries and personal space.
– Encourage each child to take responsibility for their own space and belongings.

By providing separate spaces, you’ll help your children develop a sense of ownership and responsibility, reduce conflict, and foster a more respectful and considerate relationship between them.

Encouraging Communication

Encouraging open and honest communication between siblings is crucial in building a strong, supportive, and loving relationship.

– Model healthy communication skills, such as active listening and expressing emotions.
– Encourage your children to express their feelings, needs, and concerns.
– Teach your children how to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner.

By encouraging communication, you’ll help your children develop essential social skills, build trust, and foster a more supportive and loving relationship.

Teaching Conflict Resolution Skills

Teaching conflict resolution skills is essential in helping siblings manage disputes, build empathy, and develop essential life skills.

– Model healthy conflict resolution skills, such as active listening and expressing emotions.
– Teach your children how to identify and express their feelings.
– Encourage your children to find peaceful solutions to conflicts.

By teaching conflict resolution skills, you’ll help your children develop essential life skills, build empathy, and foster a more supportive and loving relationship.

Establishing Clear Rules and Consequences

Establishing clear rules and consequences is crucial in teaching children responsibility, accountability, and respect for others.

– Set clear rules and consequences while explaining the reasoning behind them.
– Ensure both children understand the rules and consequences.
– Consistently enforce rules and consequences.
I happened to be the youngest of a large brood and learnt a lot from my elders. May be when the elder sibling is much older he can also be co-opted to share the parenting load and the responsibility will get them to bond together more and better!