Jealousy in Children

Sibling jealousy is one of the most persistent problems, especially after the arrival of a second child. The older child often resorts to certain behaviors that indicate feelings of jealousy, and it is the parents’ role to notice these behaviors to solve the problem in its early stages. These behaviors include:

• Screaming and Sabotage: The child may resort to outbursts, followed by screaming and sometimes damaging their siblings’ belongings.
• Physical Aggression: This appears through various behavioral patterns such as hitting, pinching, pushing, and more.
• Constant Chaos: Creating disorder and misbehaving persistently.
• Excessive Rebellion: Refusing to follow instructions or do what is requested.
• Spying: Keeping a secretive watch on others’ activities.
• Snitching/Incitement: Stirring up trouble or creating discord between family members.
• Provocation: Instigating others to act out.
• Plotting Against Others: Especially common after the age of ten.