The first child is very bossy to younger sibs, and has strong beliefs about what is right or wrong, and how his younger sibs should behave. The second or middle child does not expect to get his or her own way much. They learn to achieve what they want through indirect means. The third or youngest child learns that the best method for him to get his way is by being nice. Sibling rivalry has many causes that both parents and children can bring about.
Parents create rivalry problems by comparison and favoritism.
They have to see their kids as separate individuals, and not compare them. The parents have to make sure that comparisons do not lead to them buying one thing for a child s need, and then buying the same item for the other child even though he does not need it. Children may feel resentful when parents push them into each other s turf, reports Kathy Thorburg, Ph. When a parent compares two siblings, it puts pressure in sports, school, and any other aspects of life on the younger child . Parents inadvertently play favorites with their children.