In fact, parents don't need to wait for the next child to arrive on the scene to begin addressing sibling conflict. According to Dr. Hart and growing numbers of parenting experts, the key to happy and emotionally well-balanced sibling relationships depends on how you and your child are getting along right now. In other words, it pays to plan ahead.
A comprehensive, practical, and first-ever guide to exploring jealousy in infants, "Preventing Sibling Rivalry" shows how some conventional childrearing advice like wide sibling spacing can be detrimental, and teaches you strategies for setting up a jealousy-free home, including:
How to measure an infant's jealousy temperament with an easy-to-use test How to distinguish between normal and unhealthy jealousyWhy the arrival of a new baby deepens the father's bond with olderchildrenWhy spacing siblings only two years apart fosters family cohesivenessHow cultivating early social skills like eye-contact, smiling, laughter, and physical affection promotes secure mother-infant attachment and the foundation for sibling bonds
"Preventing Sibling Rivalry" offers a program to fit every family. Perfect for on-the-spot advice as well as for parents who wish to plan ahead, this invaluable guide will help mothers and fathers create healthier, happier sibling and parent relationships. Whether a couple has planned the next birth, is surprised by the news of a second child on the way, or already has three or four at home, this is the must-have for every parent bringing a new child into the world.
