| Extreme Sibling
Rivalry
Sibling rivalry is a problem that most families
face, but what happens when the fighting spirals
out of control? Today’s featured families
are dealing with violence, profanity and, in some
cases, use of weapons like BB guns. Learn about
their stories below:
With a family of five living in a small hotel room,
you might expect everyone’s nerves to be
on edge. However, the cramped quarters have led
the Johannes family to deal with sibling rivalry
that verges on dangerous violence. Parents Donna
and David say that their son Joshua is constantly
tormenting his younger brother Kevin and they don’t
know how to handle it. Expert Dr. Jenn Berman suggested
that David spend more one-on-one time with his
sons to help tone down their resentment. She also
advised that they should set strict, consistent
consequences for bad behavior. Video Clip: Larry
and Dr. Berman try to help Donna and David recover
their authority and strength.
17-year-old Taylor says he gets so annoyed by
his 12-year-old sister Paige that he’ll
squish her behind the door or pop her on the
head to retaliate. Their mom Peggy says she believes
the siblings fight because they’re so alike
and that they’re both guilty of provoking
each other. To break Paige and Taylor apart,
Peggy and her other daughter are often stuck
playing referee. Dr. Berman advised Peggy that
because she lets her children get away with hitting
each other, it reinforces the idea that it’s
okay to hit people you love. She suggested that
Peggy immediately introduce strict rules about
hitting to curb the violence.
 |
Shannon
says that, every day in the Nickerson household,
one of her children utters the words, “I’m
going to kill you!” She adds that violence
is also an everyday occurrence but that the kids
only misbehave when their father isn’t
around. 13-year-old Josh says that he can’t
help fighting with 7-year-old Taylor because
Taylor always uses crying fits to get her way.
Dr. Berman suggested that family counseling may
help Shannon regain control of her children.
Quick
Clicks
Check out today’s Advice Archive article
for parents:
Teach Your Children How To Resolve Conflict Without
Using Anger Or Power
Are you dealing with sibling rivalry in your
own family? Tell
us about your situation.
Visit Dr. Jenn Berman’s website:
www.doctorjenn.com |
VIDEO
CLIP: 
