Family Counselling for High Sibling Conflict
Is this normal? Do I need help?
Sibling rivalry is as old as time. Way back in the beginning Cain and Abel exhibited extreme jealousy and conflict. Once there are two people living together there will be conflict. But depending on personality, shared interests, and emotional intelligence some siblings actually have harmonious relationships. But, not all conflict is problematic or threatening. So why would you consider counselling?
Psychological harm
When one child, perhaps a very sensitive one, internalizes insults and threats, it can impair their self-image Sensitive kids can become anxious when overpowered by the anger or rage of another dominant or aggressive sibling. Aggressive sibling relationships can create domino effect extending from the home to school and general peer relationship difficulties (social withdrawal, poor social skills, peer rejection). Family therapy should be considered for both children.
Physical Harm
Children fight, especially brothers, but if a child is being injured at the expense of a sibling repeatedly, you have a problem bigger than you. Honestly, if you were able to deal with it on your own, it would not be a repetitive problem. As a parent, you have a responsibility to keep all your children safe. If you’re struggling to ensure safety, GET HELP immediately. Taking proactive steps can prevent the involvement of external systems like governmental child protection services.
Combative Family Culture
Every family has conflict. However if the general atmosphere of your home is tense, combative, and disconnected it could be problematic. Children thrive in an atmosphere of warmth, open expression of affection, acceptance, emotional intelligence and open communication and constructive problem solving. Poor outcomes for children are associated with power and domination in the home.
Benefits of Family Play Therapy for Sibling Conflict
- Better communication
- Discover and encourage shared interest
- Relationship repair – apology and forgiveness
- Competition Skills – how to win, lose, and bounce back
- Problem solving & Conflict Resolution
- Relationship building skills
- Assertiveness
- Emotional fortitude for the highly sensitive child
PLAY THERAPY TECHNIQUES
- Story-telling
- Art making and processing
- Sandtray
- Game-playing
- Puppet-play
Read More: How Play Helps Your Child Heal
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR FAMILY COUNSELLING SERVICES
Help for Families Canada serves children, parents, and families in South Edmonton and virtually in Alberta and Canada-wide. We do play therapy with the children. We provide art and talk therapy for teens. Parent coaching for moms & dads is available as well as family therapy.
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Related Therapy Resources for Child Psychologists or Social Workers
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