February 23, 2026
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've had the privilege of watching siblings grow together since 1993, observing how children from our Growing Steps program through Pre-Kinder navigate the beautiful complexity of sibling relationships. Our child-centered approach recognizes that each child is unique, and so is every sibling dynamic. This article is designed to support you as you guide your children through the joys and challenges of growing up together.
Before diving into strategies, it's helpful to understand what's developmentally typical when it comes to sibling relationships in the early years. Research from the field of early childhood development shows that sibling relationships are among the first and most influential peer relationships children experience. According to developmental psychologist Judy Dunn, whose pioneering research on siblings spans decades, children as young as 12 months old begin to show awareness of and interest in their siblings—watching them, imitating them, and seeking their attention.
Here's what you might observe at different stages:
It's important to remember that children develop at different rates, and sibling relationships evolve over time. What matters most is not achieving a perfect relationship, but creating an environment where positive connections can flourish.
You are the expert on your own children, and you know best what will work for your unique family. The following strategies are offered as tools you can adapt to fit your situation. Try what resonates with you, and don't hesitate to modify these ideas based on your observations of your children.
One of the most powerful ways to strengthen sibling relationships is through shared positive experiences. When siblings have fun together, they build a reservoir of good memories and positive associations with each other.
Consider activities like:
At Runningbrook, our play-based learning approach naturally creates these kinds of shared experiences. We've observed that when siblings have overlapping time at our center—perhaps an older child in Kid's Club and a younger one in Playgroup—they often greet each other with obvious joy and affection, even after just a few hours apart.
It can be tempting to compare children, especially when they're close in age. However, research consistently shows that comparisons can damage both the sibling relationship and individual self-esteem. Instead, focus on recognizing each child's unique strengths, interests, and accomplishments.
Rather than saying, "Look how nicely your brother is sharing," try: "I noticed you shared your toy with your friend today. That was kind." This celebrates positive behavior without creating competition between siblings.
In our multicultural environment at Runningbrook, we see how different cultural backgrounds may influence family dynamics and expectations around sibling relationships. Some families emphasize collective harmony, while others value individual achievement. Both approaches have merit, and finding your family's balance is part of your unique parenting journey.
Conflict between siblings is not only normal; it can actually be a valuable learning opportunity. Through disagreements, children practice important skills like negotiation, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation. The key is helping them navigate these conflicts constructively.
When conflicts arise, try this approach:
Remember that conflict resolution is a skill that develops over years, not days. Your younger children will need more direct support, while older children can gradually take more responsibility for working through disagreements.
While building sibling bonds is important, each child also needs individual time with parents. This dedicated attention helps children feel secure in their unique place in your family, which paradoxically often reduces rivalry and competition between siblings.
One-on-one time doesn't have to be elaborate. It could be:
Children who feel secure in their relationship with their parents are often more generous and patient with their siblings.
Children learn about relationships by watching the adults around them. How you interact with your partner, family members, and friends teaches your children about kindness, respect, and conflict resolution.
Let your children see you:
Your bilingual education journey at Runningbrook is itself an example of this modeling—as your children see you navigating multiple languages and cultures, they learn flexibility, openness, and respect for differences.
One of the unique challenges for families with children in early childhood is that siblings may be at very different developmental stages. A parent might have a baby in Growing Steps, a toddler in Playgroup, and a preschooler in Pre-Kinder—each with vastly different needs, abilities, and ways of relating to siblings.
Here are some considerations for these situations:
Play is the language of childhood, and it's through play that siblings often form their deepest connections. Unstructured, child-led play allows siblings to negotiate roles, create shared worlds, and practice social skills in a low-stakes environment.
At Runningbrook, our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces are designed to support exactly this kind of interaction. We've observed countless moments where siblings playing together develop their own games, complete with elaborate rules and imaginary scenarios. These play experiences become part of the shared history that siblings carry with them throughout life.
Encourage play that:
When siblings play together successfully, resist the urge to interrupt with excessive praise or direction. Sometimes the best thing a parent can do is quietly observe, stepping back to allow the magic of sibling connection to unfold naturally.
Raising siblings is both a profound privilege and a significant challenge. There will be days when your children play together beautifully, and days when every interaction seems to end in tears. Both experiences are part of the journey.
Research on early childhood development consistently emphasizes that what matters most is the overall pattern of family interactions, not any single moment. Your ongoing efforts to create a loving, supportive environment for all your children—even when those efforts feel imperfect—are laying the groundwork for sibling relationships that can last a lifetime.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we believe that every family brings unique strengths to the important work of raising children. Our community of families from more than 35 countries demonstrates that there are many paths to nurturing happy, connected siblings. Your cultural background, family values, and personal experiences all contribute to the rich environment in which your children are growing.
Remember: you know your children better than anyone else. Trust your instincts, seek support when you need it, and take comfort in knowing that the love and attention you invest in your children's relationship with each other is one of the most lasting gifts you can give.
As your children grow through our programs—from their first tentative steps in Growing Steps to their confident graduation from Pre-Kinder—we are honored to walk alongside you in supporting their development, including their precious relationships with one another.