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In today’s episode, Jon returns to the show’s original format—raw, unscripted, brain-based parenting questions—this time focused entirely on sibling dynamics. If you have more than one child (or plan to), this might be one of the most clarifying episodes you ever listen to.

Inside this episode:
Why kids compete… why they fight over nothing… why your nervous system spirals in the cross-fire… and the realistic brain-based tools parents can use to survive those hot-cold sibling dynamics without losing themselves.

What We Cover

1. Why Sibling Rivalry Is Normal

Kids don’t choose their siblings.
They don’t choose their living arrangement.
And unlike adult relationships, they can’t leave or create space.

Jon unpacks why built-in competition, developmental limitations, and underdeveloped emotional regulation make conflict inevitable—and why none of this means anything is “wrong” with your family.

2. Regulating Your Nervous System First

Listener Question: “How do I stay calm when their chaos instantly spikes my anxiety?”
Jon explains:

Why your body responds like it’s an emergency
Why entering the conflict dysregulated makes the conflict worse
The power of taking 30–40 seconds before jumping in
Quick grounding tools (breathing, sensory checks, tapping, internal scripts like “I’m safe, they’re safe, this is not an emergency”)
How your energy sets the emotional temperature of the room

This is one of those “if you remember nothing else, remember this” moments.

3. Opposite Temperaments & Constant Clashing

Listener Question: “One kid is sensitive, one is impulsive—they constantly trigger each other. How do I help them get along?”

Jon dives into:

The difference between describing temperament vs prescribing it
Why comparison creates competition
Why kids don’t need fewer shared moments—they need more positive moments
How to create “positive association loops” in the sibling relationship
What it means to aim for 51% positive interactions

This is less about fixing fights and more about building a foundation for lifelong friendship.

4. Sharing Without Meltdowns

Listener Question: “Both of my kids fight over everything—even stuff they didn’t care about five minutes ago.”

Jon covers:

Why sharing is developmentally unnatural
Why kids experience loss aversion when giving something up
The game-changing strategy:
Every child gets a small box of “non-sharing” items. Everything else becomes community property.
Why this instantly calms power struggles
How to use quick “attention flips” to reduce sharing meltdowns in the moment
And how to speak self-fulfilling prophecies:
“You’re such a good sharer.”

Big Takeaways

Your calm nervous system is more powerful than any script.
Siblings don’t need perfect harmony—they need repetition of positive experiences.
Sharing starts with autonomy, not forced generosity.
You’re not trying to prevent every fight.
You’re playing the long game—raising adults who can have a lifelong relationship with each other.

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