Sibling Relations in Early and Middle Childhood

Chapter Twenty-Four Sibling Relations in Early and Middle Childhood Nina Howe, Nina HoweSearch for more papers by this authorAmy L. Paine, Amy L. PaineSearch for more papers by this authorHildy S. Ross, Hildy S. RossSearch for more papers by this authorHolly Recchia, Holly RecchiaSearch for more papers by this author Nina Howe, Nina HoweSearch for more papers by this authorAmy L. Paine, Amy L. PaineSearch for more papers by this authorHildy S. Ross, Hildy S. RossSearch for more papers by this authorHolly Recchia, Holly RecchiaSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Peter K. Smith, Peter K. SmithSearch for more papers by this authorCraig H. Hart, Craig H. HartSearch for more papers by this author First published: 18 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119679028.ch24 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Summary This chapter focuses on sibling relations in early and middle childhood, but children are acutely aware of their younger sibling from their birth, and early interaction patterns influence later development. Relationships theory posits that children's development occurs in the context of intimate and close relationships, such as with parents and siblings. Children's sibling relationships are an important influence on their developmental outcomes and a context for developing understanding of the social world. The chapter discusses features of different sibling interactions associated with individual differences in social understanding and relationship quality: teaching, play and prosocial behavior, and conflict and aggression. Prominent developmental theories (e.g., social learning, attachment) suggest that children's interactions with close family members influence their patterns of behavior, social skills, and models of relationships. Siblings play an important role in one another's development in the early years. The sibling relationship is a natural laboratory for learning about the social world. The Wiley‐Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Social Development, Third Edition RelatedInformation