Does your little brother always barge into your room without permission? Do you enjoy teasing your older sister about her boyfriend? Do you feel that your parents favor your younger brother?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you, like everyone who has a sibling, are experiencing sibling rivalry.
What is the definition of sibling rivalry? A sibling is a brother or sister and rivalry means competition.
Remember, competition isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it can help you to work harder.
When you’re outside shooting hoops and your little brother is making more baskets than you, it could give you the motivation to practice more. If your sister is doing well in school, maybe encourages you to study more.
The most important thing is for you to remember that you have your own strengthen and talents and you should focus on those individual talents.
What can you do to get along better with your siblings?
- Talk with them. Let them know how you are feeling.
- If you don’t think your brother or sister will listen then talk with a parent.
- Walk away. If you get mad at your brother or sister walk away before you say something hurtful.
- Sometimes siblings are mean to each other just to get attention. So try being nice, or giving them a compliment and see if they end up being nicer toward you.
- Be happy for your siblings when they do something good.
- Remember that you have your own special talents.
It’s hard to believe this now but your brother or sister could turn out to be your best friend. When we are younger we often fight with our siblings, but as we grow older they become our friends.
