Almost every parent of more than one child dreams of their kids growing up to be best friends. They envision a future of supportive phone calls, shared holidays, and a built-in, lifelong support system. The reality, however, is often much more complicated. Sibling rivalry is a natural part of family life, but in some families, the competition is more intense, more painful, and more enduring. While parents rarely intend to stoke the flames of conflict, they often engage in subtle, everyday behaviors that do just that. These seemingly harmless habits can create a competitive environment where children feel they must fight for their parents’ love, attention, and approval. Many of the ways parents create sibling rivalries are completely unintentional.
Here are ten of those subtle behaviors that can foster conflict between your children.
