Understanding Sibling Rivalry - The Brazelton Way

by Brazelton, T. Berry; Sparrow, Joshua D.

• ISBN13: 9780738210056
• ISBN10: 0738210056
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-04-13
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books

Summary

The teasing, squabbling, competition, and ferocious fights of brothers and sisters can drive any parent to frantic desperation. At the same time, Drs. Brazelton and Sparrow point out, siblings are learning from one another and deep, close relationships are forming that will last a lifetime. In this absolutely indispensable addition to the Brazelton Way series, the authors show how parents can defuse much of the bickering, while helping to strengthen warm relationships. They help parents understand the universal "Touchpoints" of sibling rivalry at each age, as well as the problems in particular family situations. From the combined delight and resentment that a sibling feels toward a new baby, to birth order, blended families, sex play, scapegoats, meltdowns, and competition in school, parents will find welcome advice in this wise, comforting book.

Author Biography

T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., founder of the Child Development Unit at Children's Hospital Boston, is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics Emeritus at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Pediatrics and Human Development at Brown University. He is a famed advocate for children, and his many other internationally acclaimed books for parents include To Listen to a Child, Infants and Mothers, and, with Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., The Irreducible Needs of Children. Joshua D. Sparrow, M.D child psychiatrist and supervisor of inpatient psychiatry at Children's Hospital Boston, is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and Associate Director of Training at the Brazelton Touchpoints Center. He is co-author with Dr. Brazelton of Touchpoints Three to Six and several titles in the Brazelton Way series.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xv
Preface	xvii
Chapter 1 Sibling Relationships	1	(14)
Beyond Rivalry-Learning from Siblings	3	(4)
Ghosts from the Nursery	7	(2)
Temperament: Sibling Differences	9	(3)
Siblings: A Parent's Presence	12	(3)
Chapter 2 Touchpoints of Sibling Rivalry	15	(52)
The Prenatal Touchpoint	16	(9)
The New Baby	25	(5)
The First Months at Home	30	(7)
6 Months	37	(4)
9 Months	41	(3)
12 Months	44	(2)
18 Months	46	(5)
2 to 3 Years	51	(11)
3 to 4 Years	62	(5)
Chapter 3 Common Challenges in Sibling Relationships	67	(82)
Adopted Siblings	67	(8)
Birth Order	75	(8)
Chronically Ill Siblings	83	(4)
Comparisons	87	(4)
Competition in School	91	(4)
Criticism and Praise	95	(3)
Disciplining Siblings	98	(4)
Favorites	102	(2)
Fights	104	(6)
Gender Differences	110	(1)
Gifted Child	111	(3)
Gifts	114	(2)
Large Families	116	(4)
Miscarriages	120	(2)
Only Child	122	(2)
Scapegoats	124	(3)
Sexual Exploration	127	(3)
Sharing Rooms and Space	130	(2)
Sibling with Special Needs	132	(3)
Spacing	135	(2)
Stepsiblings and Half-Siblings	137	(6)
Twins and Multiples	143	(6)
Bibliography	149	(2)
Books for Parents	149	(1)
Books for Children	150	(1)
Videotapes	150	(1)
Index	151	(10)
About the Authors	161