You’ve tried reasoning with your kids, setting boundaries, and even taking away privileges, but the conflict just keeps bubbling up. When nothing seems to calm the chaos, where can you turn as a parent who’s simply worn out and craving peace in your home?
For this conversation, Emily brings in guest Dr. Jonathan Caspi, an internationally recognized sibling expert and professor at Montclair State University. Jonathan offers insights from his book, Raising Loving Siblings, on the parental role in sibling conflict, the importance of sibling closeness, and strategies to manage and improve sibling relationships.
Tune in if you are interested in learning about parental involvement and guidance for cultivating positive sibling relationships and reducing conflict.
Listen and Learn:
- Why well-meaning parents may unknowingly fuel sibling rivalry and what to do differently instead
- Does parental conflict fuel sibling rivalry?
- Why recognizing harmful sibling behavior matters
- How sibling bullying hides in plain sight through avoidance, fear, and subtle signs parents often miss
- Why everyday sibling spats are normal, but constant conflict may signal deeper family dynamics at play
- Can frequent sibling fights sabotage lifelong bonds?
- Why perceived favoritism can fuel sibling conflict, why avoiding favoritism talk may actually hurt family dynamics, and how to handle it better
- How to manage sibling bickering and aggression with strategies that foster better behavior and connection
- How validating kids' emotions and avoiding the 'victim vs. aggressor' mindset can help resolve sibling conflicts
- How parents' own childhood experiences can shape their approach to sibling relationships
Resources:
● Jonathan's book Raising Loving Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Help Your Kids Connect
● Jonathan’s websites:
https://siblingexpert.com/author/caspij/
http://www.theeasyfamily.com/
● Connect with Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siblingexpert/
About Jonathan Caspi
Jonathan Caspi, PhD, MSW, is Professor of Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Dr. Caspi is an internationally recognized sibling expert. In addition to researching, writing, and teaching about families and siblings, he has been a family therapist for over 30 years and has a private practice in New Jersey.
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