The major problem regarding sibling abuse is that it is frequently labeled as sibling rivalry. All siblings create competition regarding academics, athletics, the arts, etc. One sibling becomes jealous of the other because his brother scored higher on a math test or because his sister won the school-wide art competition. However, it is when this psychological rivalry becomes physical that a serious problem is at hand. Parents feel abuse is too strong a word, but this is because they are uneducated in its meaning.
Abuse is a strong word that involves serious measures.
It can no longer be brushed aside. Parents must be able to distinguish the difference between abuse and rivalry in order to protect their children. As the guardian for the Maxon family for several hours of the day, I was responsible for ensuring the children's safety as well as entertaining them with games and activities. Through observation, I learned that what once I labeled sibling rivalry was actually sibling abuse. It was normal for Eric to use violence as a means to end his current dilemma.