Sibling relationships are one of the most formative experiences of childhood and are essential for socioemotional growth, according to research. A sibling is so many things in one: a friend, a companion, a partner in mischief, and a playmate. Like all other relationships, this one involves big emotions too, and for sensitive children, a sibling relationship can feel more like an emotional minefield. Even simple interactions can become overwhelming, and although sibling rivalry is normal, sensitive children might struggle more with emotional regulation.

Parents often ask me how to deal with a child who is hitting their siblings (or being physically aggressive towards their siblings or other children). Most of the time, parents intuitively know that it is not helpful to make a child feel ashamed for their natural human impulse to hit, punch, kick, or bite...YET it can be infuriating and ultimately very concerning to experience violence between your children. And SO these situations most often end in more yelling, confusion, and disconnection between all members of the family.