Jealousy and Children
Most children show some jealousy, particularly when a new baby comes into the house. One can prevent the child's jealousy somewhat by telling him or her in advance about the new member of the family and getting the boy, for example, to feel that it is his baby sister. Letting him help in little ways with the care of the baby and letting him show off the new arrival give him a feeling of participation in a family project. He is less liltely to feel that his psychological territory has been invaded.
Reassurance to the older child that he or she is still loved pays better dividends in decreasing jealousy than do punishments, scoldings, and reasonings. The fewer comparisons one makes between ealous children, the better. Not much "natural" jealousy comes from :nldren over five or six years of age. Jealousy between brothers and .ters arises not so much from discrimination between them with _gard to gifts and privileges as from unfairness in the general attitude of the parents toward them. The girl who claims that she didn't get as nice presents as her brother may be using this as an excuse to point out unfairness shown in more subtle ways. It is not common for the child who feels insecure to set up a defense for his elings by exhibiting jealousy against a brother or sister. It is also quite common to have a younger child jealous of an older one who has :re possessions and is permitted to do more.
