Brad and Joe are adults now. They were best friends as kids and are best friends today. They look back and laugh at their childhood rivalry. But it wasn't funny at the time. As anyone with a sibling or more than one child of her own knows, sibling rivalry is a common state of affairs.
Children compete for their parents' attention and approval.
And even when parents try to create an environment in which their kids feel secure enough not to compete, conflict between sisters and brothers is likely to occur. The family is, or should be, a safe place for children to learn how to express feelings of jealousy, anger, and aggression without fear of rejection. With guidance from caring adults, children can learn how to master those emotions and develop cooperation, self-control, and respect for others. DO Encourage your child to try new activities. Encourage your child to work on skills.