Q&A: How do I handle sibling rivalry when my baby keeps touching my toddler's toys?

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

 

• Whether it's developmentally realistic to expect a baby and a toddler to "work together" during play.
• If separating siblings in certain moments is helpful parenting… or something we're supposed to avoid.
• The concept of "territory" in child development and why young children often need spaces and projects that feel protected.
• Why pushing young children to share too early can sometimes make cooperation harder later on.
• How helping a toddler trust that their creations and belongings will be respected can actually reduce sibling rivalry over time.
• The difference between communal family spaces and personal spaces for kids' toys and projects.
• Simple ways to set boundaries that support both children's needs without turning every moment into a negotiation.
• Where kids actually learn to get along with siblings — so you can focus on the moments that matter and release some of the pressure around the rest.

 

If you're parenting siblings close in age and feel like you're constantly refereeing fights over toys, this episode will help you better understand what's developmentally normal and give you practical ways to support both children without feeling like you have to force sharing or cooperation before they're ready.

 

 

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.

 

 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about encouraging sibling empathy without making them responsible for each other's feelings

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to get your toddler to share

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about soothing your baby and encouraging a closed sibling bond with Dr. Golly

 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

 

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!