Sister act

WHAT TO DO WHEN SIBLING TENSION SPILLS INTO ADULTHOOD

Our siblings can provide great joy, love and memories throughout our lives, but it’s normal to have difficulties with a brother or sister from time to time.

Psychologist Dr Lissa Johnson says sibling issues are common, but you can improve your family dynamic, even when reconciliation is more difficult than you’d imagined.

YOU DON’T GET ALONG

Our childhoods and the way we were raised shape how we see and behave in the world as adults. Studies show we’re sensitive to how we were treated in relation to our siblings from a year old. So sibling rivalry is real, starts young and may never end. As grown-ups, it’s natural for any competitiveness, conflicts or emotional pain to simmer beneath the surface – and sometimes out in the open.

“Family dynamics run deep and become ingrained,” Lissa says.

IF THE PAST CATCHES UP