Sibling Relationships

You can't force your child to love or even like the new baby, but you can find ways to bring them closer together.

Learn how to prepare your child for the arrival of a new baby. Make sure she has time to get used to the idea.

Step in when necessary to resolve conflicts between your kids.

Learn how to deal as a family with the departure of a child.

Find ways you can help your siblings accept each other.

Sibling rivalry is at its worst when the younger child outshines the older sibling.

Ask your older children to put themselves in your little guy's place. Sometimes children don't realize how painful words can be. Try to talk about these things when you and the kids are alone and relaxed, perhaps just before bed.

Forcing your older girl to include her sibling when she visits her friends is setting her up to resent the little sister you want her to care for.

It's not uncommon for a formerly only child to react negatively when a younger sibling is born.

Jealousy often flares up when a child from another marriage gets a new sibling.

Conflict between siblings is normal. What's important is how the children and parents handle the conflict.

Parents can reduce rivalry between twins by removing unnecessary competition.

Parents must be careful not to allow their star athletes to consider themselves better or more deserving than others simply because they are exceptional in this one arena.

Find ideas for how to help all your children reach their fullest potential -- without comparing their successes.

Should twins be assigned to different classrooms?

It's normal for a child to have many conflicting emotions regarding the arrival of a younger sibling.

Minimize sibling rivalries to put the fun back into sports in your family.

There are emotional and social implications in splitting up a pair of twins.