The Normality of Sibling Jealousy and How to Counter It with Connection

Sibling jealousy around a parent’s time is one of the most normal parts of family life and one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve ever noticed a child acting out when you cuddle the baby, interrupting when you talk to an older sibling, or suddenly needing you right now, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re witnessing a child trying to protect their sense of connection.

Why sibling jealousy is normal

Children are wired for closeness. A parent’s attention equals safety, love, and belonging. When that attention feels threatened by a new baby, a busy schedule, or even another sibling’s milestone, jealousy can surface.

This doesn’t mean a child is selfish or unkind. It means that they’re still learning to share emotional space.

They don’t yet have the language to say “I miss you”

Their nervous system is seeking reassurance and jealousy often shows up as:

Regression (acting younger)

Clinginess

Interrupting or competing for attention

Anger toward a sibling or parent

All of these are signals, not flaws.

What children are really asking for under the jealousy is usually one simple need:

“Do I still matter to you?”

Children don’t measure love logically, they measure it through presence. Even small changes in routine or divided attention can feel huge in a child’s world.

How to counter sibling jealousy (without guilt or perfection)

The goal isn’t to eliminate jealousy, it’s to soften it by building security.

1. Prioritise small, predictable one-to-one time

This doesn’t need to be long. Ten uninterrupted minutes where your phone is away and your child leads the play can be incredibly regulating. Consistency matters more than duration.

“Every day after dinner, it’s our time.”

Predictability reduces competition.

2. Name the feeling without shaming

When you put words to emotions, children feel seen.

“It looks like you’re feeling upset because I’m feeding the baby.”

“I wonder if you’re missing me right now.”

Avoid telling them they shouldn’t feel jealous. Validation doesn’t reinforce jealousy, it calms it.

3. Separate the child from the behaviour

You can hold boundaries and empathy.

“I won’t let you hit, but I know you’re feeling really big feelings.”

“You’re allowed to feel jealous. I’m here.”

This teaches emotional safety without rewarding harmful actions.

4. Invite connection, not comparison

Avoid phrases like:

“You’re the big one, you should understand”

“The baby needs me more”

Instead try:

“There’s room for everyone here.”

“My love doesn’t run out.”

Comparison fuels insecurity. Connection builds trust.

5. Include siblings without forcing responsibility

Let older children feel included by choice, not obligation.

“Would you like to help, or would you rather read with me after?”

“You get to choose.”

This preserves autonomy and prevents resentment.

A gentle reminder for parents

You are not failing because your children compete for you. You are important to them. Jealousy is often a sign of a strong attachment not a weak one.

Your job isn’t to divide yourself perfectly. It’s to return to connection again and again, in ways that feel human and sustainable.

Some days will be messy. Some children will need more reassurance than others. That’s normal too.

In calm moments, security grows

Sibling jealousy doesn’t disappear overnight. But when children repeatedly experience:

Being chosen

Being heard

Being reassured

…they slowly learn that love isn’t something they have to fight for.

And that’s where the real calm begins, right in the middle of the chaos.

Happy New Year: A Fresh Start for Us and Our Families

As we welcome a brand-new year, we’re reminded that new beginnings aren’t just about personal goals or fresh plans, they’re about the people we share our lives with. Family, in all its forms, sits at the heart of our journey, shaping our days, our values, and the moments that matter most.

The past year may have brought its fair share of challenges and celebrations within our homes. There may have been laughter around the table, late nights, hard conversations, growing pains, and moments that tested our patience and strength. Through it all, family life teaches us resilience, love, and the importance of showing up for one another, even when things aren’t perfect.

A new year gives families the chance to reset together. It’s an opportunity to create new traditions, strengthen bonds, and be more present in the everyday moments, the small conversations, shared meals, bedtime routines, and quiet check-ins that often mean the most. Growth doesn’t always happen in big leaps; often it happens in these shared, ordinary moments.

As we step into the year ahead, let’s focus on building homes filled with understanding, compassion, and connection. Let’s make space for open communication, patience during difficult days, and celebration of each other’s wins no matter how small. Supporting one another as individuals while growing together as a family is one of the most meaningful journeys we can take.

We hope this new year brings your family good health, peace, and plenty of moments to be proud of. May it be a year of learning together, supporting one another, and creating memories that last long after the year ends.

From our family to yours, we wish you a year filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones 🎉

Family Games to Play Over the Holidays 🎄

The holidays have a funny way of bringing both magic and mayhem into our homes. The snacks are endless, the routines are gone, the kids are wired on excitement, and the weather usually keeps us indoors. One of the easiest ways to bring everyone together (and avoid screen-time battles) is with good old-fashioned family games.

Family games aren’t just about passing the time, they’re about creating moments your children will remember long after the decorations come down.

Why Family Games Matter During the Holidays

The holidays can feel overwhelming. There’s pressure to do everything, see everyone, and keep the kids entertained. Games slow things down. They create laughter, connection, and a sense of togetherness that no toy or gadget can replace.

You don’t need expensive games or perfectly planned evenings. Most of the best memories come from simple moments around the table or on the living room floor.

Classic Board Games Everyone Can Enjoy

Board games are perfect for lazy afternoons and early evenings.

Games like UNO, Monopoly (or Monopoly Junior), Connect 4, and Scrabble work well for mixed ages. Younger children can team up with adults, and older kids love the friendly competition. These games teach patience, turn-taking, and let’s be honest how to handle losing gracefully (or not!).

Party Games for Big Laughs

If your house is full of people and noise, party games are the way to go.

Charades and Pictionary are always a hit, especially with holiday-themed prompts like Christmas movies, festive foods, or family traditions. Heads Up or Would You Rather keep everyone involved, even those who don’t usually enjoy board games.

The best part? These games create the kind of laughter that fills the whole house.

Games for Younger Children

Little ones don’t need complicated rules to have fun.

Simon Says, Musical Statues, Matching Games, and Hide and Seek are perfect for burning off energy indoors. Adding festive music or a Christmas twist makes them even more exciting.

These simple games help toddlers and young children feel included, which matters just as much as entertaining the older kids.

Christmas-Themed Games

Holiday-themed games add extra excitement and help build anticipation.

Pass the Parcel, Christmas Bingo, or Name That Christmas Tune are easy to set up and loved by all ages. Even a simple I Spy Christmas Edition can turn into a daily tradition.

You don’t need perfection, just enthusiasm.

Cosy, Low-Energy Games

Not every day needs high energy. Some of the best holiday moments happen during calm, cosy evenings.

Games like 20 Questions, Story Chain (where each person adds a sentence), or I Spy are perfect when everyone is winding down. These moments often lead to the sweetest conversations and unexpected giggles.

Making It Work Without Stress

The key to holiday games is flexibility. Let each family member choose a game during the holidays so everyone feels involved. Keep rules simple, expect interruptions, and remember that the goal isn’t winning, it’s connection.

Some days will feel chaotic. Others will feel magical. Both are part of family life.

And Finally

Family games don’t need to be perfect, organised, or expensive. They just need people, a little time, and a willingness to laugh together. Long after the holidays end, it won’t be the presents that stand out it’ll be the memories made around the table.

So grab a deck of cards, clear a little space on the floor, and let the games begin ❤️