Sibling Rivalry: Why Kids Fight and How Parents Can Help
Ananya Mishra | Fri, 19 Dec 2025
Sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up and often reflects unmet emotional needs rather than poor parenting. While small fights are normal, frequent conflict can affect a child’s emotional development. With patience, fair attention, and healthy communication, parents can help siblings build trust, respect, and a stronger bond that lasts beyond childhood.
Sibling Rivalry
Image credit : Freepik
Sibling rivalry is common in families. It is usually not a serious issue and can be rather wholesome. But sometimes it can cause resentment and negative behaviour between kids. It can be caused by constant comparison, a sense of unfairness or lack of attention.
This rivalry does not indicate bad parenting, but it just shows the emotions the kids might be feeling. Through healthy communication, behaviour and habits the siblings can develop a respectful and balanced relationship.
Most of the time, sibling rivalry can be fuelled by feelings. Children can feel insecure, neglected or even less loved than their siblings.
By figuring out the real cause of the conflict, parents can help in solving it. Parents should focus on addressing the problem rather than stopping the argument by scolding.
![Teach Healthy Communication]()
Children should be taught and encouraged to express their feelings openly.
In an argument between siblings, parents should tell them to talk to each other calmly without anger and yelling.
Along with this they should be taught how to resolve their conflicts respectfully and without hurting each other
Comparison between siblings can cause jealousy, insecurity and the feeling of not being loved as much as the other kid.
A parent should praise their child without comparing them to the other kid. They should not use phrases like “Why cannot you be like your sibling?”
![Spend Quality Time With Each Child]()
Sometimes a child might feel that their parents are not spending enough time with them. It is important for parents to give equal amounts of time to all their kids.
Each child should feel emotionally fulfilled and loved by their parents.
Rivalry among kids is normal but sometimes when it is not addressed it can continue in teenage years as well. Parents can help their kids in forming healthy bonds by providing love and care while also teaching them valuable skills like communication and conflict resolution.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This rivalry does not indicate bad parenting, but it just shows the emotions the kids might be feeling. Through healthy communication, behaviour and habits the siblings can develop a respectful and balanced relationship.
Understand the Root Cause of Sibling Conflicts
By figuring out the real cause of the conflict, parents can help in solving it. Parents should focus on addressing the problem rather than stopping the argument by scolding.
Teach Healthy Communication
Teach Healthy Communication
Image credit : Freepik
Children should be taught and encouraged to express their feelings openly.
In an argument between siblings, parents should tell them to talk to each other calmly without anger and yelling.
Along with this they should be taught how to resolve their conflicts respectfully and without hurting each other
Avoid Comparing Children With Each Other
A parent should praise their child without comparing them to the other kid. They should not use phrases like “Why cannot you be like your sibling?”
Spend Quality Time With Each Child
Spend Quality Time With Each Child
Image credit : Freepik
Sometimes a child might feel that their parents are not spending enough time with them. It is important for parents to give equal amounts of time to all their kids.
Each child should feel emotionally fulfilled and loved by their parents.
Rivalry among kids is normal but sometimes when it is not addressed it can continue in teenage years as well. Parents can help their kids in forming healthy bonds by providing love and care while also teaching them valuable skills like communication and conflict resolution.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is sibling rivalry normal in childhood?
Yes, sibling rivalry is a common phase and usually reflects emotional needs rather than bad behaviour. - How can parents reduce sibling competition?
Avoid comparisons, praise individual strengths and ensure each child feels equally valued. - What causes jealousy between siblings?
Jealousy can arise from unequal attention, comparisons, birth order or changes in family dynamics.
