S3E19 - Sibling Jealousy: A Middle-Child Perspective
Description
In this episode, I answer a question from Kylee about sibling jealousy — specifically how her seven-year-old daughter reacts during her siblings' birthdays. I explain how birth order plays a significant role in this dynamic and why middle children often struggle with attention and identity. I walk through how jealousy fits into the bigger picture of being "the forgotten child" in a family of five, and why her daughter's reactions make sense developmentally.
I also share practical steps to reduce jealousy and strengthen connection, including building in weekly one-on-one time with each child, setting clear expectations long before birthdays arrive, and validating feelings while still holding limits. Over time, as her daughter's self-esteem grows through play therapy and through connection at home, these reactions will naturally lessen.
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Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.
United States
