Jealousy in Preschoolers

Attention to a newborn can make a preschooler feel jealous.

Jealousy in preschoolers is a common trait, but it is not one that should be ignored. Understanding how jealousy affects the way that preschoolers act towards their caretakers and towards other children and how it might be alleviated are important things for any caretaker to think about.

Types

A preschooler can get jealous in many different situations. She may become jealous if a new baby is brought into the household, particularly if she was an only child before. She also may be jealous of new people or new interests that take her parents' attention away from her. Preschoolers can also be jealous of other children, whether it is for concrete things like toys or intangible things like friendships.

Features

Preschoolers who become jealous can show it in many different ways. According to drspock.com, a preschooler may become overly aggressive towards the object of his jealousy or he might engage in poor behavior that will get him attention. The preschooler might become withdrawn or in the case of a new sibling, he might become overly affectionate towards the baby by showering the baby with affection.

Significance

Jealousy is always prompted by feelings of insecurity or fear. A preschooler may believe that she will be forgotten in the face of someone or something more interesting, or she may feel as though she is simply inferior to whatever the object of her jealousy is. At the root of the change in behavior and attitude is a feeling of unease.

Treatment

There are many ways to deal with a jealous preschooler. If you are concerned about jealousy between siblings, avoid comparing them and make sure that you appreciate the differences between each child. Spend time with the preschooler and connect with him. Make sure that he is aware that he is important to you and that he does not need to resort to negative behavior to get your attention.

Warning

If a preschooler is jealous of a new baby, make sure that she is not left alone with the newborn. Children can behave roughly toward new babies, and they do not always know their own strength. Carefully supervise their interactions until the older child is more comfortable with her new sibling.

References

• Drspock.com: How to Handle Different Kinds of Jealousy
• Preschoolers Today: Territorial Tots
• iVillage: Jealousy-Five Ways to Minimize Competition between Kids