May 25, 2026
There's something magical about watching siblings interact—the shared giggles during bath time, the way a toddler reaches for their baby brother's hand, or how an older sister carefully shows her younger sibling how to stack blocks. These moments, both big and small, lay the foundation for one of life's most enduring relationships.
As parents, you naturally want your children to develop loving, supportive relationships with each other. Yet navigating the complexities of sibling dynamics—especially in early childhood—can feel challenging. Between the inevitable squabbles over toys and the competition for your attention, you might wonder how to foster genuine connection between your little ones.
The good news? Research in early childhood development consistently shows that the early years are a prime time to nurture positive sibling relationships. According to renowned developmental psychologist Judy Dunn, whose decades of research on sibling relationships have shaped our understanding of early family dynamics, the quality of sibling interactions in early childhood can predict the nature of these relationships well into adulthood.
In this article, we'll explore what typical sibling interactions look like in early childhood, offer practical strategies you can implement today, and share how a child-centered approach to early childhood development supports healthy sibling bonds.
Before diving into strategies, it helps to understand what's developmentally typical when it comes to sibling relationships. Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and what you observe in your family is unique to your children's personalities, temperaments, and circumstances.
When a new baby joins the family, older siblings—even very young ones—often show genuine curiosity and affection. You might notice your toddler wanting to:
It's completely normal for toddlers to experience mixed feelings. They may love their new sibling while also feeling displaced or confused about the changes in family dynamics.
As children enter the preschool years, their play becomes more interactive and social. Between siblings, you might observe:
By this stage, children have developed more sophisticated social skills. Sibling relationships often show:
Now that we understand what's typical, let's explore concrete ways you can encourage positive sibling relationships. These strategies honor the fact that you are the expert on your own children—adapt them to fit your family's unique culture, values, and circumstances.
Play-based learning isn't just for the classroom—it's one of the most powerful tools for building sibling bonds at home. When children play together, they practice cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution in a low-stakes environment.
Try this:
Imagine a scenario where your 4-year-old and 2-year-old are playing with playdough together. The older child might show the younger one how to roll a ball, while the younger child contributes their own creative ideas. These simple moments build connection naturally.
One of the most important things you can do is create an environment where all feelings are accepted—even the difficult ones. When children feel heard, they're better equipped to manage big emotions and develop empathy for their siblings.
Try this:
Conflict between siblings isn't just normal—it's actually an opportunity for learning. Through disagreements, children develop crucial skills in negotiation, compromise, and perspective-taking.
Try this:
Paradoxically, one of the best ways to strengthen sibling bonds is to honor each child's individual identity. When children feel secure in their own uniqueness, they're less likely to view siblings as competition.
Try this:
Shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen the sense of "we" within a family. These don't have to be elaborate—simple, consistent rituals can be incredibly meaningful.
Try this:
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've had the privilege of working with over 1,200 families from more than 35 countries since 1993. This multicultural environment has taught us that sibling relationships are shaped by cultural values and traditions.
In some cultures, older siblings are expected to take on significant caregiving responsibilities, while in others, each child's independence is emphasized. Some families encourage collective play and sharing, while others value giving each child their own space and belongings.
There's no single "right" way to approach sibling relationships. What matters most is that your approach aligns with your family's values and supports each child's emotional wellbeing. If you're raising children in a bilingual education environment or multicultural setting, you might also observe how siblings support each other's language development—a beautiful aspect of growing up with multiple languages.
A child-centered approach to early childhood development recognizes that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. This philosophy extends naturally to sibling relationships.
At Runningbrook, our programs—from Growing Steps for infants to Pre-Kinder for our oldest students—emphasize small group interactions and collaborative activities. Children who experience positive peer relationships at preschool often bring these skills home, applying them to sibling interactions.
When children have opportunities to:
...they're better prepared to navigate the complexities of sibling relationships.
If you're reading this article hoping for a magic formula to eliminate sibling rivalry, we want to reassure you: some conflict between siblings is not only normal but healthy. Through these early disagreements, children learn valuable life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
Your role isn't to create a conflict-free home, but rather to provide a loving environment where children feel safe to express themselves, learn from mistakes, and develop genuine connections with each other.
Remember that sibling relationships are lifelong journeys. The foundation you're building now—through patience, intentionality, and love—will continue to grow and evolve. There will be challenging days when your children seem to do nothing but fight, and magical days when they play together for hours in perfect harmony. Both are part of the journey.
Most importantly, trust yourself. You know your children better than anyone else. The strategies we've shared are starting points, but you are the expert on what works for your unique family.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we're honored to partner with families in supporting children's development—including their ability to form meaningful relationships with siblings and peers. Our dedicated educators understand that the social and emotional skills children develop in their earliest years form the foundation for all future relationships.
Whether you're navigating the arrival of a new baby, managing preschooler conflicts, or celebrating the beautiful friendship developing between your children, know that you're doing important work. The love and attention you invest in your children's relationship today is a gift that will last a lifetime.