How Do You Heal Old Sibling Rivalries?
Old wounds from sibling rivalries can cut deep. Parents may have caused these with their unthinking behavior. You may have been labeled as a “klutz” in your childhood while your sister was “the pretty one.” Or maybe your younger brother was pampered and you only got disapproval. But remember your siblings will probably be around longer than your parents, so follow these steps to heal your broken relationship. Step 1 Identify the conflicts that sparked the sibling rivalry. Write them all down, even if it was because your parents treated you both unfairly. Describe the situation as objectively as you can, noting incidents that were particularly hurtful and need special healing. Step 2 Think about the stages your relationship has gone through. Maybe there were other incidents that made your sibling rivalries worse. Major life events like marriage, career landmarks and family deaths can make a shaky sibling relationship even worse. Step 3 Write your feelings as a result of these conflicts.
