Anonymous wrote:My DS sometimes engages in negative behavior toward his 19 y.o. sister.
Some examples:
Makes negative comments about DD's weight (which is healthy, although that doesn't matter), appearance, and math abilities when she hasn't said anything negative to him. We remind him that this isn't okay.
Recently helped to make pizza and ice cream for our family and repeatedly said that DD shouldn't be allowed to have any because she didn't help (she does other chores).
We had a "cooking competition" for fun, and DS and DD cooked dinner for the family on different days. They tied and he cried 2 hours after, saying that only he deserved to win.
DD is nice to and supportive of him. They sometimes watch shows together and will be talking and laughing. DD asked him today about why he sometimes acts negatively toward her and he laughed it off, saying that she ate cookies that he wanted last year and chocolate that he wanted last month. I don't think this is the actual reason.
DH and I are careful to treat them both equally. We praise him for positive behavior.
Other than reminding DS that he has to treat others with respect, we've been ignoring this as she's an adult and he's 14. However, I'm starting to wonder if this is normal behavior for a 14 y.o.? I had a great relationship with all of my siblings growing up and still do now, so I don't know.
I could’ve written this. I have an 18 yo dd and 14 yo ds. He tells her she smells bad and is fat. He refuses to interact with her. It’s bad.