Sibling relationships

Rivalry, bonding, birth order dynamics

The fighting. The "she's looking at me." The genuine dislike that makes you wonder if they'll ever be close. Sibling conflict is normal - but that doesn't mean you have to referee every battle or accept constant chaos.

What to Know

Sibling conflict is normal — and actually serves a developmental purpose. Siblings give kids a safe place to practice conflict resolution, negotiation, and recovery. The fights are real, but so is the learning happening underneath them.

That said, constant conflict is exhausting for everyone, and some sibling dynamics are genuinely toxic. The goal isn't zero fighting — that's unrealistic. It's teaching kids how to fight fair, recover, and repair. It's also making sure no one child is consistently victimized.

Parents often get pulled into referee roles, which can actually increase conflict because kids learn that fighting gets attention. The more you can coach from the sidelines rather than solve every dispute, the more kids learn to work things out themselves.

Signs to Watch

•Fights constantly with siblings
•Physical aggression between siblings
•One child consistently targets or victimizes another
•Intense competition or comparison
•Struggles to find positive ways to interact
•Can't resolve conflicts without adult intervention

Stories

Why Does Baby Lily Wear That Hat?

A story for siblings who have questions about their baby brother or sister's cranial helmet.

The Night Bear Got Lost

Bear wasn't in bed. Or under it. Or anywhere. Eli couldn't sleep without him. His big sister searched everywhere—and finally found him at the park.

Do You Love Us the Same?

With three kids in the family, Ella wondered: does Mom have enough love? Does she love the baby more? Mom explained: Love isn't pie. It doesn't run out.

I Was Here First

Before the baby came, everything was Tessa's. Now the baby gets all the attention. Tessa decides she hates him—until someone else says something mean about him.