Parents Learning Together

Jealousy is a part of human nature, it’s normal to feel jealousy from time to time. Jealousy in children usually arises when the parent’s love and attention is divided.

“When children feel understood, their loneliness and hurt diminish. When children are understood, their love for their parent is deepened. A parent’s sympathy serves as emotional first aid for bruised feelings. When we genuinely acknowledge a child’s plight and voice their disappointment, they often gather the strength to face reality” – Haim Ginott, Teacher/Psychologist/Parent Educator

Strengthen your connection…

• One on One Time.
• Connect with each child every chance you get – smiles, soft touches, encouraging comments.
• Short moments of attention and acknowledgement can be just as beneficial as extended periods of play, engagement, and attention.
• Try to see the situation from their viewpoint.

Laughter and nature are strong medicine…

• Laughter and nature help us let go of anxiety and helps us transform our bodies’ chemistry to reduce stress hormones and increases our bonding hormones.
• Let them know you are there for them.

Acknowledge your child’s emotions…

• If children can talk about their feelings in a safe environment, then they don’t have to act out on their feelings.
• If they think jealousy is bad or wrong, they may feel less likely to share how they feel with you.
• To transform behaviour, give your child support and reinforce their positive qualities and the actions and reactions you want to see.

Try not to compare children socially, physically, emotionally, or academically. Every child is a whole new package and like anything that’s absolutely unique, it’s as useless as comparing apples and oranges. Celebrate differences by acknowledging the strengths in each child.