Child behaviour expert to speak on sibling rivalry

Dr Michael Kaplan of Yale University will be hosting the lectures to explain how couples expecting a baby can avoid sibling rivalry from older children.

ABU DHABI // A child behaviour expert is speaking this week on sibling rivalry to help couples expecting a baby have a harmonious family life.

Dr Micheal Kaplan, psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at the child study centre at Yale University, said a newborn may cause anger and jealousy among older siblings.

“In a child’s view of the world, the introduction of a baby means that precious time and affection now has to be shared with another sibling. Sibling rivalry lasts throughout childhood, and for some individuals it can continue into adulthood,” he said. “Talking about the baby, giving the child space to express her feelings about the new baby through words and play can smooth the transition.”

He said older children should be given gifts before a baby is born so they do not feel neglected “while the new baby is getting showered with attention”.

Mothers should also try to give plenty of attention to their older children.

“All adult members of the family can and should help out. The other adults can provide emotional and psychological support to the older children,” he said.

Dr Kaplan will be discussing sibling rivalry at Manarat Al Saadiyat tomorrow and at the Al Ain Municipality building on Tuesday. The talks, which start at 7.30pm, are part of a series introduced by the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.