The Jealousy Of The Older Sibling After The Birth Of A New Family Member

The birth of a new family member causes many changes in family life. They affect not only the parents but also the other children in the family. When a baby is born, an older child may react jealously for fear of losing their parents ’love. The jealousy of the older sibling is common and normal, and parents should not be too scared of it.

However, this does not mean that jealousy and jealousy should not be sought to be prevented. Indeed, strong feelings of jealousy or jealousy can cause anxiety and depression in a child and can negatively affect his or her self-esteem. All of this also easily creates negative tensions that affect the entire family.

What causes jealousy between siblings?

Some experts believe that jealousy manifests spontaneously when a child learns of the impending arrival of a new sibling. Later, it is part of the adjustment period when the child begins to realize that he or she is no longer the center of the family’s attention. A hint or fear that he or she will lose the love or attention of the people who are most important to him or her can trigger many different emotions in a child.

The basis of jealousy is precisely fear. The child’s mind is dominated by the distressing thought that he is losing the love and affection of his parents. Jealousy raises its head when a child feels that his or her feelings are not being answered the way he or she wants. Another thing that causes jealousy is a change in the attitude of parents before the birth of a new child. A child who is used to seeing their parents in certain ways and treating them in a certain way can find it difficult to tolerate this. The child may begin to imagine that they are substitutable.

Comparison can also cause jealousy and should be avoided in all situations. Every child is unique and should be valued just the way he or she is. Contrary to popular belief, a younger sibling may also feel jealous of their big sister or brother. In some cases, jealousy is reciprocal. The fact that a child feels that his or her sibling is favored is always a potential source of jealousy.

How is the jealousy of the older sibling seen?

Jealousy can lead to negative behavior. The following are some examples of why parents should strive to prevent jealousy between siblings:

• The child may begin to behave irritably or aggressively.
• The child may become withdrawn or sad.
• The development of a small child may slow down or even decline.
• The child may have repeated seizures.
• The child can fight off his little sibling completely.
• A child may want the attention of parents at any cost, often at the expense of their sibling.

Attention-seeking behavior is common

An older child in a family may experience a significant reduction in the time their parents spend with them. He tries to win this time back by constantly seeking attention. It is common for a child’s behavior to decline, and he or she begins to behave like a younger person and, for example, begins to suck his or her thumb or wet his or her bed.

Parents should remember the following instructions:

• Do not correct a child for attention-grabbing use. He must understand for himself that this attitude does not restore things to their former state. As soon as she realizes that there are more benefits to behaving like an older child than behaving like a baby, her behavior will improve.
• It is good to spend time and play with the child as before. In addition to spending time as a family, it is a good idea for parents to try to spend two-time time with their child. In this way, the child understands that he or she is still important to his or her parents.
• Identify and acknowledge the things your child is doing well or right. This not only makes him pursue the desired behavior, but also does good to his self-esteem. Children’s comparisons should be conveyed in all situations.

The new sibling is a permanent part of the family

It is important that parents show equal love for both children. In this way, the firstborn understands that even though the baby needs more attention, he or she himself or herself is allowed to enjoy other benefits as the eldest child in the family. An older child should also be included in the care of the baby so that he or she is given tasks appropriate to his or her age. For example, she can pick up baby supplies, help with changing diapers, or hold her little sibling in her arms.

This is how she feels like a big girl or boy and an important part of the family. She feels that she is needed to get things done in style at home. In addition to this, it is important that the older child is allowed to show his or her affection for the little sister or brother if he or she so wishes. For example, a child can be encouraged to hug a baby.

It’s time to learn to share

The child needs to learn to share not only time, but also toys and everything else related to the home. It’s common for a child’s desire to own to just grow with a new family member, so it’s time for parents to lovingly explain to him or her that everything around him or her doesn’t just belong to him or her. She needs to understand that her new sibling has exactly the same rights as herself. Learning this at home will also help the child in the future, for example when he or she starts school, where he or she needs to be and collaborate with classmates and share things.