Understanding Sibling Rivalry - The Brazelton Way

by T. Berry Brazelton, Joshua D. Sparrow

The teasing, squabbling, competition, and ferocious fights of brothers and sisters can drive any parent to frantic desperation. At the same time, Drs. Brazelton and Sparrow point out, siblings are learning from one another and deep, close relationships are forming that will last a lifetime. In this absolutely indispensable addition to the Brazelton Way series, the authors show how parents can defuse much of the bickering, while helping to strengthen warm relationships. They help parents understand the universal “Touchpoints” of sibling rivalry at each age, as well as the problems in particular family situations. From the combined delight and resentment that a sibling feels toward a new baby, to birth order, blended families, sex play, scapegoats, meltdowns, and competition in school, parents will find welcome advice in this wise, comforting book.

Genres: Parenting

161 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2005

About the author

Thomas Berry Brazelton was an American pediatrician, author, and the developer of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS).

Reviews

[Marissa Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Dr. Brazelton writes that he's never heard of siblings actually hurting each other when left in a room by themselves, I shake my head in disbelief. He should visit my house and look in the other direction for a few minutes.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this was a waste of my time.

[Charlyn Spiering · Rating 5 out of 5]

At least these authors understand that when you are reading a parenting book you probably have kids. Make the book short! You can only smash so much knowledge into your brain at a time behind bathroom doors.

The advice in this book makes so much sense. Children are treated with respect, but parents retain their position of authority. The authors deal with every stage of parenting. Are you pregnant? There is advice on helping your child welcome the new baby. Are you children little? Help them manage their tiffs. Even older children get some page time in this book.

I love how the authors set aside a special section for the challenges you might face as you grow your family from adoption. It isn't the same as welcoming a biological sibling and your struggles will be different with different solutions.

Overall this book offers a lot of common sense advice quickly. I recommend it.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

What he says is fine, but there’s not a lot of detail or examples. It’s more like an outline or overview than a useful parenting book. Like, what to expect when you’re expecting siblings and less what to actually do when you have multiple children.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great concise little primer. A bit simplistic, but I really enjoyed the descriptions of what the 1st child might experience at each of the "new" babies age stages.