Sibling rivalry is most common during which age range?

Sibling rivalry tends to be most pronounced among younger children, particularly in the early childhood years. During the ages of 2 to 4, children are just beginning to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of identity. In this stage, they may struggle with sharing and cooperation, which can lead to conflicts with siblings as they vie for attention, toys, and parental approval.

As children grow older, particularly into the ages of 5 to 8, they develop more advanced social skills and begin to resolve conflicts more effectively. They often establish their own identities and interests, which can reduce competition for parental attention and resources.

In the age range of 9 to 11, children become more focused on friendships outside of the family unit and may prioritize peer interactions over sibling interactions, leading to a potential decrease in rivalry. By the time they reach ages 12 to 14, adolescents are typically navigating their own social circles and developmental challenges, which may further diminish sibling rivalry as they invest energy into relationships beyond the family.

Ultimately, the age range where sibling rivalry is most common is between 2 to 4, as this is when children are learning to cope with sharing and competition for their parents' attention, making that the critical period for such