Sibling rivalry... why does it have to exist?

This is normal. It may sounds healthy when there is no physical and emotional hurting involve. Like, if they're trying to get higher grades from school or showing their talent by achieving awards- like a competition. But,it's not easy though- for sure, there is always emotional battle when it comes to this issue. The worse part is, when siblings even kill each other due to this jealousy...so bad :(

its okay snow, its just a normal feeling and it will just fade. she is surely thankful of you being so nice to her daughter..keep up the good work..

just have faith..i think it's common.i also have that problem also..but i just let it pass..for the sake of my family..don't want my parents to be affected about it..

It is important that the parents give equal attention to their child specially at the growing up stage. in the case of your niece she is not used to having lack of attention that is why when the baby came she felt being left behind and seeks for everybody's attention. The mother may let her child being close to one another let your niece help her in taking care of the baby in this way the other child won't felt being left behind. As to the point that your sister gets jealous of you being close to her child she can't blame you as well what she feels was exactly the same with what her daughter feels. having lack of attention, you 2 can work together for the proper guidance to the child.

Yes, jealousy is not good, But when it comes to children especially with a new sister/brother, jealousy arises. And i think it's common and normal. You are doing right to your niece, telling her that she should love her sister. And i think that it will work in time. As for the mother, don't neglect her first child, she should still appreciate her even though she's busy with the new baby. And she should let the first child interact with the baby. You are doing great job for your family. It takes a lot of patience. Don't worry everything is going to be fine.

Hi there, sibling rivalry indeed in the beginning it exist, for it's the consequences of disobeying God's command committed by our first parents. That's why there is the Holy scriptures to God us, to correct us from wrong to right. In your case that's really very common in our family especially in small kids, but don't worry much you're niece is too grateful that she had an aunt who has been so patient and loving, but sometimes in this situation, favoritism will exist because of pity, treat them both equally then, for in favoritism there indeed rivalry will begin.

I think a little sibling rivalry is a natural reaction when an infant who is mostly aware only of him/herself and her own needs gets old enough to realize that there are other children getting the parents time and attention, as well as the oldest child having to share the parents with another. I think the way the parents handle the situation has a lot to do with whether the rivalry continues as the children get older. If they overreact and punish the child too severely (as in spanking) the child might grow to resent the younger sibling, more so than if the parents realize it's a normal part of growing up and look for ways to help the child deal with those feelings. I do realize that is easier said than done when taking care of a newborn who demands nearly all of your attention! I'm the oldest and my mother tells me I was extremely jealous of my two younger sisters who are close to me in age. I really don't remember of course, how it felt or how I acted when I was very young, but I did grow up with a lot of feelings of resentment toward them. I feel like my parents almost promoted sibling rivalry at times, although my mother would insist that she treated all of us the same. It's good that you're able to give your niece some attention that the rest of the family isn't able to give her right now, although it has the unfortunate side affect of her mom being jealous. Is it possible for you or another family member to care for the baby occasionally so that your niece can get some more time with her mother?

hi there. I have 3 siblings and im the oldest. Im already 6yrs old when i got someone to share my parents attention and its not easy. I experienced also those jealousy moments. But maybe because my mother teach me how to take care my sister im get used to it already. And I started acting a big sister. If her mom get jealous on you no wonder why her daughter is so jealous to her sister too :) Talking to them both and explain the situation will be a very big help not in instant but it will help little by little. They are lucky having you. God bless

I think if you give a lot of attention to your first child it can be hard for that child if he/she is no longer number one. So I can understand your niece prefers to spend time with you so she has attention for herself. It's not easy to be a little kid and suddenly not to get all the attention anymore. A new born does cost a lot of time. I think in time this all will be solved, unless the parents won't pay attention to your niece anymore or start comparing those two with eachtother. The rivalry is frequently started because parents do so and both kids are asking for attention and compliments (mostly just one is getting it). Cain and Abel are not really a good example of it (or perhaps they are) and as we all know the murder is the winner (the fittest who survived) and starting the human beings.