As a parent you may find there are times when you need a bit of extra information and help with parenting siblings. Use these pages to get information and tips on supporting siblings, and to get advice on dealing with sibling issues.
It shows siblings that you love them and helps them feel that they matter too. For example, a sibling will feel loved when they find a nice note from you in their school lunch box.
It helps to reduce jealousy of their brother or sister when siblings get one to one time with you. For example, a sibling having 15 minutes each day to play a ball game with you.
It helps siblings develop good behaviour when you give them attention for doing the right thing. For example, when your sibling child is playing well with another child, give a thumbs up and say ‘great playing’.
If siblings don’t get attention they often feel that they are second best or left out. Siblings may think that the reason you give more time to their brother or sister is because you love him or her more. Lack of attention can lead to problem behaviour as a way of getting your attention.
Use an activity jar with young siblings. Help your sibling child write or draw fun activities on small pieces of paper. These need to be activities that last for only 10 minutes and for you and a sibling to do together. Put them in a small jar with a lid. When you have a 10 minute space, ask your sibling child to choose an activity from the jar and do it together.
Write a note or a postcard to your sibling child. Make sure to write something fun and positive, such as ‘I am thinking about you today’ or ‘Have a fun time at football club’. Post it, or put it somewhere for your sibling child to find. Or send a text.
Spend some time each day doing something fun with your sibling child. Ask other people to help you get time to do this.