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May 11, 2020

Dr. Jonathan Caspi Explains that Sibling Conflict is Normal, Especially in Lockdown for the NY Times

Posted in: College News and Events

Cartoon image of two children arguing while playing a game.

Dr. Jonathan Caspi, Professor in the Family Science and Human Development Department, commented on sibling struggles during the lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

He explained that ot only is sibling conflict normal, it’s something parents should expect. During the coronavirus crisis, children might act out more often, and that is also normal, he said. So don’t think that sibling squabbles mean you’re somehow failing at parenting.

“Anxiety reverberates through a family the way you throw a pebble into a pond,” Dr. Caspi said. “If you can take note of your own anxiety and say, ‘OK, I’m stressed, I’m going to respond differently to my kids.’ That alone can make you respond better.”