Forefront Families

Sibling rivalry occurs in families when one child wants what the other has.  We all understand the meaning of sibling rivalry and have more than likely seen it in our own families and those of our friends.  It usually shows up when a second child comes into the home.  The first child has had all the attention and now another little body is getting most of it.  A small child does not understand family dynamics and can only show disapproval by acting out in some way.  Acting out may be demonstrated by child 1 hitting child 2, or snatching his/her stuff away.  Child 1 may demand mother’s attention when she is attending the new baby, by crying, or throwing a tantrum.  They might start wetting their bed, or acting like a baby, too.