Kayelle & Mat Sibling Rivalry

Even at a very young age, you can see the rivalry between children. The eldest child usually already at age two, sees the coming child as a threat to her, a rival to the affection of her parents. Upon arrival of the younger child from maternity hospital, rivalry starts if the child is not properly introduced to the elder child. That is, explain to the older child what her role would be to the newborn.

Some parents forbid the older child from getting close to the newborn thinking that the older child would harm the newborn. The older child sense this, so she becomes jealous, and when opportunity comes her way, does the newborn harm.

Confidence should be shown to the older child that the parents are depending on the older child for the newborn’s safety. However, the parents should not be complacent. They should still be watchful.

The manner the siblings are treated in this early stage, will become the foundation to the relationship of the children in their later years. If respect to the older child is ingrained by the parents to the younger child and vice versa, then their relationship would turn up smooth. The younger child would look up to the older sibling for support, though they should be taught independence. However, respect should always be there.

I saw the jealousy of Kayelle to her younger brother Matthew. She would sometimes pinch her brother or would not give her playthings to Mat, but she eventually came around and gets protective.

No two children are exactly alike, Kayelle is turning up to be sociable and strong-willed. Matthew seems to be the opposite. In his quiet way, he observes, and he is not a cry baby unlike Kayelle in earlier years.

During Kayelle’s birthday, I gave Kayelle her wrapped birthday gift while for Matthew, an unwrapped horse and train toys. Kayelle got it all, played with it, with Matthew just watching. When the guests of Kayelle arrived, Mat saw the chance to play with the toys.

They are of different temperament, but I love them both.