Sibling Rivalry to Calm, Connected and Close
Sibling conflict can leave even the most patient parents feeling drained and disheartened. But beneath the squabbles and competition lie important emotional needs... and opportunities to build lifelong connection.
Sibling Rivalry to Calm, Connected and Close
📅 Tuesday Nov 11th
🕡 6.30-7.30pm
🎥 Recording Available Afterwards
Suitable for parents, teachers and professionals
Sibling relationships are among the most formative experiences of childhood but, for many families, they’re also the most challenging.
Constant bickering, competition and emotional outbursts can leave parents feeling exhausted and unsure how to help. In Ireland, sibling rivalry is one of the most common family concerns reported by parents of primary-age children.
The survey Growing Up in Ireland (Cohort 08) found that 68% of 13 year-olds reported arguing with a sibling at least once a week; 22 % reported pushing, shoving or hitting a sibling.
While mild conflict is normal and even healthy, frequent or intense rivalry can undermine children’s self-esteem, emotional security and family harmony. Research shows that the quality of sibling relationships strongly predicts children’s emotional wellbeing, social skills and later mental health. Positive sibling bonds are linked with empathy, cooperation and resilience, while persistent rivalry is associated with anxiety, behavioural problems and poor emotional regulation (McHale et al., 2020).
Who Should Attend?
- Parents and carers of children aged 2-12yrs
- Teachers, SNAs and school leaders seeking to support positive peer and sibling relationships
- Professionals working with families who want practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce conflict and strengthen connection.
- If you live or work with children who frequently clash or compete, this webinar will help you move from chaos and conflict to calm and connection.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify common emotional and developmental factors that contribute to sibling rivalry and conflict.
- Recognise patterns of competition, jealousy and attention-seeking that can escalate tension between siblings.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to promote empathy, cooperation and secure sibling bonds.
- Support children in developing emotional regulation and problem-solving skills that strengthen long-term relationships.
Remember, research tells us that warm, supportive sibling relationships are powerful predictors of emotional resilience and lifelong wellbeing. With the right understanding and strategies, families can move from rivalry to real connection, helping children grow up feeling secure, understood and close.
If there are children in your family, classroom or care who struggle to get along, make sure to book this webinar so you can be that adult who helps transform their relationship for life.
What you’ll receive
- CPD Certificate of Attendance
- Copy of worksheets and summary slides
- Lifetime access to the recording and all materials
Your Instructor
Dr Lorraine Lynch is the Clinical Director of the Child Psychology Institute (CPI). She holds a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology from London Metropolitan University (LMU) and is accredited by the HCPC and BPS. Her research thesis was based on the lived experience of children with Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) from the perspective of their parents. During her doctorate training, she completed placements in the private sector working on breastfeeding advocacy and support, and also within the NHS (Kidderminster Hospital, Birmingham) working on the promotion of digital health solutions. Dr Lorraine has won numerous awards within the social innovation and enterprise space, receiving a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland award in 2014, Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers Award in 2021 and Network Ireland 'Power Within Champion' Award in 2022. Dr Lorraine is also the author of two books designed to promote children’s wellness - #100happydays4kids and Closing Saor’s Day.
Her most important role is a mother to three smallies, who serve as a constant reminder of how much potential exists within each child.
“Even the tallest trees always begin as a seed.” A. J. Darkholme