Siblings: How to handle sibling rivalry to create lifelong, loving bonds

Written by a clinical psychologist with over 25 years' experience of family therapy, this book arms parents with the tools and advice needed to create positive sibling relationships. Highly practical, and based solidly in clinical research, Siblings not only describes the issues which parents may face but gives them methods and specific strategies to help their children. Linda Blair takes a positive approach to this subject - instead of trying to eliminate the natural rivalry that occurs or strive for an unrealistic idyll of a calm, non-confrontational household, she teaches parents how to use sibling interactions to build emotional intelligence and good social skills, through a framework of core principles parents can follow. 'I consider sibling relationships to be the best set-up we have for teaching our children to become emotionally sensitive. Sibling rivalry is not some sort of evolutionary mistake! It's unavoidable and universal. By coming to understand more about it, you'll no doubt stop dreading those occasions when they confront one another, and start instead to welcome the opportunities to help your children develop more fully.' Siblings helps parents understand and best manage this often tumultuous relationship, guiding you through potential issues you may encounter - from the powerful effect that age gap and birth order have to the role parents play in creating or dissolving sibling rivalry. Linda uses helpful flashpoints to tackle issues head on and give direct advice, through her years of clinical practice.