But do we must. Thankfully, sibling rivalry is “safer” than most rivalries. After all, there is rivalry between children is playgrounds and even single or only children can get into a competitive position with one or both of his parents. More conflict situations seem to arise between siblings also because they have more contact time together. Developing character and learning how to control emotions such as jealousy and temper are better tried and tested on siblings.

Once the pressure has been released, they will play together and be the best of friends. Indeed, siblings can be fun. As kids, they have their own built-in playgroups and helpers. As teenagers, sisters and brothers can be sources of potential boyfriends of girlfriends. As a cluster, they develop family identity and solidarity. The same sister who whacked me on the hand also rounded up her friends in every school election I ever ran in and told them who to vote.