Some fights between siblings may seem childish or petty, but even the smallest fight can be the result of a big problem.  Sibling rivalry can affect people into adulthood and can hurt the relationships that keep a family strong.

Mrs. White was in her study doing some work when she heard this ear-piercing shriek. She ran into the hall to find out what was going on, scared that something had happened to her kids. She heard another scream coming from the basement and immediately ran down the steps to find her daughter, Samantha, standing over her brother Jeremy with a pillow raised above her head.

“What in the world is going on here?” Mrs. White exclaimed.
“Jeremy keeps changing the channel and I am trying to watch something that I am going to use for my campers tomorrow,” Samantha explained.

“No. I was watching the football game and she came in and changed the channel. I had just gone upstairs to get a snack. It is the last quarter and her stupid show is going to be on for another hour.”

“Give me the remote!” Samantha squealed at the top of her voice.

“If you don’t figure this out soon, I am turning the television off and nobody will get to watch anything. Anyway, we have two other TVs so choose another one and watch your show there, Samantha.”

“No. This TV is bigger and gets a better picture. I have to record my show. Tell Jeremy to watch it somewhere else,” Samantha protested.

“OK, well then Jeremy, go in the den and watch the rest of your game. You can come back down here and watch this TV when your sister is done recording her program.”

“That is so unfair. Sam always gets what she wants because she is older. I wish she stayed at college for the summer. I hate her!”

Jeremy stormed upstairs to watch his program on a different TV.  He felt that he was always being treated unfairly.

“Nice attitude,” Samantha yelled up the stairs. “Mom, you let him get away with everything just because he is the baby. I was never allowed to speak to anyone like that when I was younger.”

“Well, you should set an example for you brother. When you are finished watching your program, I want you to go upstairs and apologize to him for being so pushy. I am not going to listen to you fighting with him all summer. You are too old for this.”

“He is the one who should apologize! He bit me, look!” She pointed at a bite mark on her arm. She had really had enough of her brother and she had only been home a week. This was how it was before she left for college too. It was like a never-ending battle.

“Well, Jeremy is the only brother that you have so you need to finally figure out a way to get along with him, the way you do with all of your friends. OK. Thanks,” her mom smiled and headed back to finish her work.

"But…ugh, never mind,” Sam gave up and went upstairs moaning to herself, “I’m getting too old to fight with my brother, but I don’t know what to do. Our relationship really stinks and I’m so sick of it.  Mom and dad will just take his side because he is the youngest.”

“Are you talking to yourself?” Jeremy asked, laughing.

 “Yes, now leave me alone. I have to think.”

 “Loser!” he teased.

 “Ugh…you’re impossible,” Sam said slamming her door. She felt like nobody cared or understood where she was coming from, least of all her mother.

All of us with brothers or sisters become angry, upset, or frustrated when we feel that our parents don’t listen to our concerns and always side with the other sibling. It is OK to have those feelings but you should try to express those emotions. This will help you find a way to get past the problem. If you can’t talk to your parents, or feel like they won’t understand where you are coming from, talk to a trusted friend, adult or another family member.