Raising Cain: How to Help Your Children Achieve a Happy Sibling Relationship

Cain's murder of his brother stands as the ultimate demonstration of sibling rivalry, the subject of this book. Psychoanalyst Strean and Freeman, author of Fight Against Fears, offer counsel to parents whose children are more than normally competitive in the home. The authors stress that sibling rivalry is natural but can cause lasting harm if it grows out of proportion. Quarreling parents, the need to accept stepbrothers or sisters are among situations described as the roots of alienation and problems that must be dealt with sensibly. There are practical suggestions for establishing a harmonious household where children learn to respect themselves, parents and the siblings who should be their lifelong friends. The authors also offer advice on how to help children cope when a sibling dies and when they are suffering the confusions of teenage traumas. (January 15)