Competitiveness between siblings is often most intense when the age gap is around two years. And If both your children are in primary school, the one-upmanship will have greatly increased.
To prevent the atmosphere at home turning from relaxation to tension, it’s important to encourage cooperation instead, says child psychologist, Dr Richard Woolfson.
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Rivalry between your children is strong at this age for several reasons, including:
Identity
As your younger daughter establishes her identity more firmly, she starts to compare her talents and abilities with those of others.
She wants to be better than her elder sibling, not because she dislikes him, but because that is one way of proving that she is capable.
Interests
A small age gap means your children share similar interests and lifestyle. It’s only natural that competition arises when each tries to make progress in a shared activity.
Petty niggling begins during a game together or when trying to decide which TV programme to watch.
Insecurity
In a family with more than one child, each sibling realises that Mum and Dad have limited time and resources to go around.
As far as your kids are concerned, attention paid to one means that there is less for the other. No wonder they start to compete with each other for your approval.
You don’t have to live with the constant squabbling, though. Here are five ways to discourage competitiveness among siblings.
Text: Young Parents Team