Q&A: How can I encourage sibling empathy without making them responsible for each other's feelings?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

• The subtle but important difference between encouraging empathy and unintentionally parentifying a child.
• What reflective functioning is and why helping your child develop this skill may be one of the most important things you can do as a parent.
• What helps empathy develop naturally in children without pressure or responsibility.
• Ways to navigate mismatched messages from extended family while staying grounded in your own parenting values.
• What parents can do to foster healthy sibling dynamics.

If you have ever worried about asking too much of your older child, felt activated by comments about siblings taking care of each other, or wondered how to support healthy sibling relationships without repeating old patterns, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and a calmer way forward.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why your kids fight and how to foster closeness with Dr. Jonathan Caspi

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about sibling rivalry and jealousy

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about breaking the cycle of insecure attachment with Dr. Miriam Steele

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or