The relationship between brother and sister: jealousy, complicity and affection.
The relationship between brother and sister has many positive aspects but also brings with it problems (such as daily quarrels). Here are the jealousies that can be triggered but also the countless benefits of this, sometimes difficult, relationship.
The relationship between brother and sister can be irreplaceable, made up of mutual help, games together, jokes, laughter, and a lot of complicity. This bond helps socialization and the development of empathy, both in younger and older children. In short, the benefits are many, but problems and quarrels are often the order of the day (not to mention jealousy!)
The relationship between brother and sister
Having a brother or sister, especially for younger children, is an incomparable gift. They will always have a partner to spend time with; they will learn the value of sharing, both in joy and in difficulties; they will get used, from an early age, to "decentralize", to be aware of the space to be given to others.
If the age difference isn't large, brother and sister will find the perfect friend and playmate . They will learn to vary between different types of activities; they will help each other, they will fight daily , they will not get along; but in the end you always find a way to make peace, learn, and start being together again.
The benefits of the relationship between brother and sister
Having a brother or sister is literally good for your health: Researchers at Brigham Young University have highlighted how sisters, especially, are able to give siblings great moral support, in ways that differ from those of their parents. For many people, brotherly bonding means constant emotional reference, deep friendship, an infinite number of jokes and memorable moments. Because of this, it shouldn't be surprising that having a close bond with a brother or sister is a source of joy, starting in childhood and throughout life.
According to a study published in "Child Development" and carried out in collaboration between two universities in Canada and Israel, siblings allow a greater development of empathy. The research was conducted on 452 couples of brothers and sisters from different social and cultural backgrounds; the aim was to detect if and in what way the empathy of children between 18 and 48 months could have a positive influence in the following year and a half.
The study showed that the presence of a sibling plays a fundamental role in the development of empathy, and not only towards the second children. One might think, in fact, that older siblings and parents are the ones who most influence the development of the little ones. The study shows, however, how the benefits are reciprocal. Even the smallest ones favor the development of empathy in older brothers and sisters.
Differences in parenting education style or socio-economic background do not seem to influence this aspect. Furthermore, the more the age difference between siblings increases, the more the older brother or sister is seen as a role model by the younger ones.
Problems in the relationship between brother and sister
While the benefits and joys of having a brother or sister are innumerable, there is no shortage of problems. The squabbles, even if frequent and often unnerving for the parents, should not be alarming; on the contrary, they are an opportunity for growth and maturation, because they will refine the social skills indispensable for relating to others in the future.
In addition to the daily quarrels, there are differences in character; furthermore, it is important to consider the role of the family context in the relationship and interaction between brother and sister. A study highlights how family factors profoundly influence the quality of relationships between siblings, as well as the atmosphere that reigns in the family.
In fact, it is important not to view the sibling relationship as being isolated from the rest of family relationships. Sometimes, beyond the quarrels - which will gradually disappear with age - it is the parents who trigger (even unwittingly) mechanisms of rivalry (perhaps by making comparisons).
How to handle jealousy?
The reasons for jealousy between brother and sister can be the most disparate. First of all, when a little brother or sister arrives, jealousy takes over because of the time that is stolen from the firstborn; used to having all his mother's attentions on him, now he finds himself having to share them with a newcomer or a newcomer.
In such cases, parents must be good at measuring the attention to one and the other, making it clear that they love children equally in their uniqueness, and perhaps carving out quality time with each other. other alone.
Then, it is important to enhance everyone's talents and potential, and allow them to make their own growth path. For example, it could be wrong to enroll children in the same sports activities: jealousies derived from confrontation and competition could be triggered.
Dear mothers, after reading our article we recommend that you take a look at our LUKURYKIDS website.
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