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We’ve already discussed the positive impact fostering can have on biological children, including practicing empathy, learning how to share, and experiencing the joys of gaining a new brother or sister and forming sibling relationships. Like any family, there will be ups and downs. And chances are, there may also be some sibling rivalry.
Sibling rivalry is common throughout the school year, especially during end-of-grade awards season. But after the report card dust settles, and summer boredom sets in, the tension inevitably becomes worse. Maybe it’s the close quarters or lack of a daily routine, but somehow, summer break always seems to lead to bickering. Here are some tips for foster parents dealing with sibling rivalry issues in the months to come.
Understand that jealousy can form on both sides.
Similar to when a new baby is born, biological children may feel like their new foster sibling is stealing all the attention, which can lead to conflict. On the other hand, foster children may feel resentful of their situation, wishing they had been raised as safe and loved as your biological children. They may also choose to test new relationships by acting out. Remember, it is your responsibility to understand why these complex feelings and difficult behaviors sometimes arise. It is also your responsibility to love unconditionally and to respond fairly to both your foster and your biological children, rather than quickly jumping to one side or the other.
Help children to develop their own interests.
Every child is special in their own way. The key is to encourage kids to be themselves. Whether you are fostering a single child or sibling groups alongside your biological children, parents can help everyone in the family to explore their interests and pursue their individual passions. For some kids, this might mean signing them up for a recreational sports team this summer and cheering from the stands. For others, it might mean visiting museums, keeping art supplies on hand, and displaying their masterpieces around the house. It may take a bit of extra effort on your part, but it is important to provide support and opportunities for each unique child rather than taking a one-size-fits all approach.
Sibling rivalry is never pleasant, and keeping the peace over summer break can be hard work. Just know that this issue is a normal and healthy part of growing up with brothers and sisters. Kidshealth.org notes that, “As kids cope with disputes, they learn important skills that will serve them for life — like how to value another person’s perspective.” To become a foster parent, visit our website for more information, or click on the following link to get started: https://family.binti.com/users/signup/camelot-il-initial
Every child needs and deserves to grow up safe and protected from abuse and neglect, and caring foster parents offer children support and stability when they need it most. At Camelot Care Centers, we specialize in higher-level foster care for children and adolescents that need extra support. We partner with our foster parents/homes to provide trauma informed care and additional services, including in-home counseling, parent support and training, tele-psychiatry, and therapeutic mentoring, to maintain children at the least restrictive, yet most appropriate level of care. Camelot Care Centers (“Camelot”) is a Child Welfare Agency.
