Sibling Rivalry in Tweens: How to Handle Conflict Without Taking Sides

ℹ️ EPISODE INFO

Released

May 6, 2026

Duration

35m

Channel

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Watch on YouTube

▶ Open ↗

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Sibling Drama Isn’t A Problem - It’s Practice When your kids are fighting - one minute playing, the next snapping or shutting down - it’s easy to wonder: *What am I doing wrong? Should I step in… or stay out of it?* In this episode, Dr. Sheryl sits down with therapist and mom of seven Bridget KerMorris to unpack what’s really happening between siblings - especially when one child is entering the tween years and everything starts to shift. Together, they explore:

• Why your older child may suddenly seem mean, distant, or unpredictable
• What younger siblings are actually experiencing (and often not saying)
• The difference between a *pattern* and a *moment*
• How to respond without taking sides or shutting things down
• What “repair” looks like, and why it matters more than getting it right

You’ll also hear simple, real-life language you can use in the moment -especially when your child says things like *“It’s not fair”* or *“You love them more.”* Sibling conflict isn’t a sign that something is wrong - it’s where your kids are learning how relationships actually work. Thank you to our partners for making this episode possible:

• Equip: https://equip.health/goodinside: Learn about Equip's at-home eating disorder treatment at equip.health/goodinside https://equip.health/goodinside

🎤 SPEAKERS

• Dr. Becky

  host

  Clinical psychologist and founder/host of Good Inside, focused on practical parenting strategies.

• Bridget KerMorris

  guest

  Marriage and family therapist who works with middle schoolers and families; mother of seven.

🧾 EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Good Inside with Dr. Becky, featuring Dr. Becky and Bridget KerMorris, Sibling Rivalry in Tweens: How to Handle Conflict Without Taking Sides explores Navigating tween sibling conflict with validation, boundaries, and repair skills Tween sibling conflict often reflects normal developmental differentiation as middle schoolers test likability, manage big internal emotions, and pull away from family toward peers.

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