Siblings are generally raised by the same parents under the same roof, circumstances and conditions and spend more time with one another during the growing-up period. It is just natural that the long span of time siblings stay together will foster a mutual relationship normally characterized by love, respect, genuine care and concern for one another. This type of relationship is known as healthy sibling relationship.
In some families, at different points in time, the healthy relationship once enjoyed among siblings go sour. Siblings take one another for granted and develop very poor interpersonal attitudes that build walls and create toxic relationships made obvious in their readiness to criticise, quarrel and become insensitive to one another’s plights. The communication chord breaks and the desire to share moments with one another suddenly becomes a desire to be alone and comments like ‘I need my personal space’ and ‘I need time alone’ begin to replace warmth and laughter. This scenario is regarded as an ‘unhealthy relationship’ among siblings.
