Rivalry amidst siblings is as old as Genesis e.g. Cain and Abel. Not that you necessarily hate your siblings but you just find them hard to get along with.

 Why is there animosity between siblings? When siblings fight, they are usually competing for resources provided by their parents which may include parental love, money, clothes etc. Sometimes, it can be over privileges and household responsibilities.

 At other times, siblings discord may be as a result of personality clashes or parental preferences.

 What You Need To Do.

1. Communicate and work out a compromise before an argument flares up. For instance, the problem of lack of privacy. Find a time when the issue is not raging, try sitting down together and working out an actual schedule. Everyone should then respect the agreement. If something comes up that calls for an adjustment, then let the other person know about it in advance, instead of just thrusting the change upon him or her without notice.
2. Settling Scores over property rights. You may want to call your parents into this. But better still, sit down with your siblings at a calm moment and settle the score. Rather than quibble over personal rights, be ready to share.(I Tim. 6:18). Agree upon some rules regarding borrowing – which might be always to ask before taking. Work out compromises if necessary. This way you can put out the fire before it starts.
3. If a sibling’s personality simply rubs you the wrong way – you really can’t do anything to change that one. What you do is learn to ‘put up with one another in love’ (Eph. 4:2). Instead of magnifying the flaws and faults of a sibling, apply Christian love, which “covers multitude of sins” (I Pet.4:8). Instead of be being tough or unkind, put away “wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech,” and “let your utterance be always with grace.” – Col. 3:8, 4:6.

 More so, when you feel that your parents seem to be unfair with their love for you. Then consider your parents may simply be responding to your individual needs and temperaments.

Is it not fair for parents to favor a particular child? Not necessarily. Your parents may just be drawn to your siblings, perhaps because of shared interests, similar personality, or other factors. This does not mean they do not love you. If you feel resentment or jealousy, realize that your imperfect heart has simply got the better of you. Work to overcome such feelings. As long as your parents are meeting your needs, why become disturbed because a sibling seems to get extra attention?

Written by E Samuel, Ghana