In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who is worried about the relationship between her four-year-old son and his younger brother. If you've ever wondered whether sibling rivalry, rough play, jealousy, or competition between siblings is normal, you're not alone. I explain some of the common dynamics that naturally emerge between siblings who are close in age, including power struggles, birth order influences, and why older siblings often have a difficult time adjusting after being "dethroned" as the only child.

I also share practical ways parents can respond when sibling conflict triggers strong emotions in themselves. We discuss the importance of staying regulated during difficult moments, setting expectations outside of conflict, and intentionally creating positive shared experiences between siblings. This episode is full of encouragement for parents who are trying to support healthy sibling relationships while managing their own worries, frustrations, and protective instincts.

Previous Episodes Mentioned in This Episode:

Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer This episode connects to the idea of staying regulated as the parent instead of matching your child's emotional escalation.

When a Child Is Drowning, Don't Try to Teach Them to Swim This episode explains why expectations and teaching moments are best handled when your child is calm, not in the middle of conflict.

S3E27 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Understanding Power Struggles in Child-Centered Play Therapy This episode gives more context for understanding power, control, and the family dynamics that often show up in sibling conflict.

Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com

My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place. https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/

My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids https://a.co/d/bThnKH9

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Common References: Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.