Sibling Rivalry
Sibling rivalry is common. It doesn’t matter if you have brothers or sisters, at some point you have probably been frustrated and felt like you were competing with each other. For some, sibling rivalry may only be a small thing, like perhaps you and your sibling get competitive over a video game. For others, sibling rivalry may be more sinister and deep-seated, like thoughts of one sibling being ‘the favourite child’.
So how do we deal with sibling rivalry? Having a healthy relationship with your siblings and with yourself seems to be the most important thing. However, this can be hard, especially when you are under the same roof. Sometimes, small things can make you frustrated and overreact. Your brother ate most of the dinner and didn’t leave you much when you got home from training, and all of a sudden this is more reason that he’s egotistical and selfish (instead of hungry and having made an innocent mistake). How do we overcome these habitual thoughts and grievances? Although Step Brothers was hilarious, it is probably not the best place to turn for guidance.
What are your experiences with sibling rivalry? How do you cope? What do you say to yourself and how do you keep a healthy relationship? Personally, I would suggest keeping everything in perspective and staying patient. For example, rating the level of importance from 1 (not important) – 10 (most important thing ever) can be really helpful. However, there are probably and million and one suggestions out there, and many more effective ones!
Join in this Monday (23rd June) to talk about sibling rivalry and share your thoughts, experiences, and strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship. Although sibling rivalry is common, there are likely a ton of individual differences and little idiosyncrasies. It would be great to hear your thoughts and to learn from each other about such a common but important issue!
@N1ghtW1ng it sounds like he does care about you. Man, he must really feel guilty sometimes too, which feels really horrible! And yeah don't feel that you 'have to' do anything, being there for him is big time, even when he is seeming mean and unfair. And good on him for dreaming haha
I might call my brother and see how he has been getting on at school, as its been pretty difficult for him and he is considering dropping out very shortly, so I might call him up and have a chat about it.
Hahaha good point @tsnyder! I hope nobody runs off and wakes up their siblings to do some nice thing for them. Might not have the desired effect 😛
What are some good ways to prevent conflict before they happen?
Compromise!, I've tried this before andit works to sometimes just give in. I feel that if you give in, then they will give you the same treatment eventually. Also being able to recognise when it's going to hit the fan might be a good idea. If you truely want to make peace ( as lomg as your sibling isn't a complete lost cause) it will work out. I still love my sister to death, Ive just learnt to avoid certain situations that get me fired up .
@Glass_half_full yeah knowing when to take one for the team is big-time. Sometimes things can be unfair, but its worth considering how much that matters? Sometimes fairness is really important (such as gender equality), but sometimes taking one for the sake of peace and healthy relationship is even bigger.
haha actually I recently said to my mum that something I had to do for my brothers 'wasn't fair' and I got the most sarcastic "awwww" of all time!
with that I am out guys. I feel SO tired tonight I think I'm going to pass out. This uni life is really wearing a sister out. Thanks for letting me rant about my siblings today. Have a good night evryone.
@j95I was busy skiing and sailing and swimming in ice cold lakes that the snow just melted into impress girls. Did i mention i was 16? 😛
Time for another Q
What are some good ways to prevent conflicts with siblings, before they happen?
How convenient, we're moving into the next question all by ourselves!
Our relationships with our family can really vary at times. What is your relationship like with your siblings?
Our relationships with our family can really vary at times. What is your relationship like with your siblings?
I have a sister who is one year older than me and we just cannot get along ! i love her to death but for some reason we always get frustrated at eachother. I've never had one of those cute sisterly realationships, I wish I could say she's my best friend but she's so different and we always clash.
They're all fine I guess, but its a bit sad that I'm not closer with them. I love hanging with the little one's though.
@Glass_half_full isn't it strange how different two people can be, despite being brought up in exactly the same place by the same family !
Our relationships with our family can really vary at times. What is your relationship like with your siblings?
Not bad. Usually pretty good but because my brother's mental state isn't perfect it can be a bit of a problem.
@FootyFan26 welcome! Great to have you here
It sounds like you're relationship is mostly okay except the occasional hiccup? What do you mean by 'brother's mental state' if you don't mind me asking?
I'd say the relationship is pretty 50/50. Half the time it's okay, half the time I spend avoiding causing trouble or copping the brunt of his behaviour.
@Ben-RO Yeh it really is hard to believe that you're from the same partents!... I actually used to think I was adopted
@Glass_half_full I have that relationship with my older sis too. Except she's four years older. 😛
@tsnyder Can I ask how old they are? I mean, my bro is 17 (18 this year!!) and he is still a bit of a poop head.
