Dealing with Sibling Rivalry

tNBC presents

January 10, 2001

Wondering how to get along with your little brother? Does your sister drive you crazy? Get advice from t-Talk on how to deal with your siblings!

Page 1 of 7

TNBC: Welcome to t-Talk, tNBC's chat room. tNBC and NBCi provide this service as entertainment for their users. The individuals providing information and advice are not professional counselors and the opinions and advice given do not necessarily reflect the views of tNBC and NBCi. BORING BUT NECESSARY INFORMATION. You agree not to use offensive language or personally attack any other participants or third parties. You are solely responsible for all of your communications, and you agree not to violate or infringe upon the rights of others. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right, but are not obligated, to edit or delete any information deemed to violate these ground rules. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right to suspend access to anyone who violates these rules. NBCi and Talk City also reserve the right to republish, disseminate and broadcast any materials posted. t-Talk, we have some great questions about sibling rivalry today! Let's get to them!

T-Talk: Welcome to t-Talk!

Morita: My sister and I just don't get along. What should I do? Is it wrong for me to not want to share?

T-Talk: First of all, sharing is always good, and it's good to get into the habit of sharing. However, there are things that belong to you and that's your right. I think if you explain it to her, it may help you get along a little easier. Just try that.

Roberto: My brother and sister are always fighting with me. How can I make them stop?

T-Talk: Well if they're ganging up on you together, which is what it sounds like, I think you need to get your parents involved if it's bothering you that much. Because you don't just want it to turn out to be something that's physical, and maybe your parents can help the situation. Try that.

Shara14: My mother always buys things in twos for my sister and me even though we are now teens and we like different things. How can we get her to stop this?

T-Talk: Both of you should go to your mother and talk to her, because I'm sure you're very different, and express to her that you are, and that you have your own individuality. You're at that age where you'd like to have separate belongings that make you feel different about who you are. That leads to your own freedom of expression.

Suzie: What do you think is the best solution for making up with your sibling after a fight?

T-Talk: I think the best solution is a big hug. Often siblings don't show affection toward each other, and the type of affection that is shown is usually a verbal apology or a kid-around punch or remark. But if you get in the habit of expressing that you truly forgive someone with a hug, it validates that you are sorry and brings you closer in the end. That makes it all the easier to make up each time.

Im Number One: I don't have any siblings, but my friends and I have the same problem. What should I do?

T-Talk: That must be why you're never One! Perhaps your friends don't have siblings or they do, but I think when you don't have siblings, you're kind of used to commanding that attention with your family 'cause you're the only one. And you don't get it with your friends, which is probably what you're experiencing. A solution for that would probably be just trying to understand that they are accustomed to sharing the things that you're not accustomed to doing, so it's all a matter of consideration. Think about that one.

Yngr Sis: How do I compete with a brother or sister who are great at everything they do?

T-Talk: Stop competing right now. Everything they do is for their own good. Start something that makes you happy and makes you feel good only for you and not for them. Focus that positive energy on yourself, whether you're good or bad at it. You own it, and it's your own good, and it's something that they don't have. It sounds a little tough to do. Perhaps try not to compare so much what they do to what you do. There are things within yourself that they may see in you that they wish that they had. Who knows? It probably just comes from within. I think you'll be fine. Give it a shot!

Page 1 of 7