How to Help Your Child Control Jealousy

Angry Child - Control Jealousy Before this Happens!

The green-eyed monster is no stranger to kids. Kids learn to be jealous at an early age because of their inward desire to be recognized. Teach your child how to control their jealousy with healthy advice.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Understanding
• Willingness to teach

Instructions

1. The first thing you need to do is tell your child that having feelings of jealousy are normal. Let her know that you understand what it feels like to be jealous because you have felt that way, too.

2. Discuss the situation that caused jealousy in your child. Telling her that she should just get over it will only make the problem worse. Communicating and coming up with positive actions to work against jealous are the best things you can do for your child.

3. Sibling rivalry often manifests in a younger child with an older sibling who has more freedoms and privileges than they do. You have to explain to your child that while this seems unfair, she will be able to do the same things when she gets to be the same age as her older sibling.

4. Peer pressure is also a common situation that exposes jealousy. If your child does not have the same gadgets as other kids in her school, she may feel left out and angry about this. Be honest with your child about why she does not have those material things. You might be surprised how much your child actually understands about finances and family values.

5. Make sure you are treating your younger child as equally as possible with an older sibling. You may have to make provisions to adapt a situation to your younger child. For instance, make sure your younger child is given plenty of opportunities for play dates, since this falls primarily on you to coordinate.

6. Make "special" individual time with each of your children doing something fun together. This includes older children.

7. Stand your ground when it comes to household rules. Don't give in to your child, if they are complaining about something that makes them feel jealous. Otherwise, they may learn to manipulate you often. Use communication as your best defense.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to point out the advantages of being the younger sibling when there is jealousy of an older child.

• Remind your child of the things she has to be thankful for, when she is angry about something she can't have.

• Consult your family doctor or pediatrician, if you need more advice.