Renowned counselor and author Rev. Andrews Doe Morrison has advised parents to play a more active role in addressing and preventing sibling rivalry, stressing the importance of balanced parenting, empathy, and early conflict resolution in the home.
Speaking on Bullet TV’s Morning Target with host Selikem Acolatse-Apaloo, Rev. Morrison highlighted the deep and lasting impact of unresolved sibling tensions. According to him, favoritism and unequal treatment by parents are among the leading causes of rivalry between siblings, often leaving emotional scars that can carry into adulthood.
“When parents take sides or compare children—especially in areas like academic performance—it creates resentment. One child may feel unloved or overlooked, while the other feels burdened by unrealistic expectations,” he said.
He cited common scenarios, such as praising one child for being more academically gifted while neglecting the unique strengths of the other, as harmful parenting practices. Instead, Rev. Morrison suggested encouraging collaboration between siblings by having the more academically inclined child assist the other in a spirit of love and support.
“This builds empathy and teamwork,” he noted. “Let children know that every one of them is valuable in their own way. Intelligence should not be the only measure of worth.”
Rev. Morrison also acknowledged that parents may naturally feel closer to one child over another, often based on personality similarities or shared interests. However, he warned that this must be managed carefully.
“Even if you find yourself bonding more with one child, ensure the others don’t feel neglected. Distribute responsibilities fairly, involve all children in household tasks, and affirm them equally,” he explained.
He shared a personal story about training his young son to cook, noting that while the boy was more confident in the kitchen than his daughter, he made sure not to overburden one child while leaving the other out.
Equal Discipline and Praise
In handling disputes or discipline, Rev. Morrison encouraged parents to avoid singling out one child for blame.
“When something goes wrong in the house, deal with all the children involved fairly. If praise is needed, base it on principles, not personalities,” he said.
He emphasized that inconsistency in discipline can deepen the sense of injustice between siblings and fuel further rivalry.
Dangers of Unresolved Rivalry
Rev. Morrison did not downplay the dangers of unresolved sibling conflict. He linked it to long-term psychological effects such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or violent behavior.
“Sibling rivalry, if not addressed early, can destroy relationships and even families. We’ve seen cases where adult siblings hold on to childhood resentment for decades,” he warned.
He called on parents to actively foster unity by encouraging teamwork, prayer, and mutual support among their children.
A Call to Heal and Rebuild
Wrapping up the conversation, Rev. Morrison emphasized the need for healing in families where sibling rivalry has already taken root.
Rev. Andrews Doe Morrison is a respected prophetic voice, counselor, author, and C.E.O of The Marriage Clinic Inc..
His insights continue to shape conversations around emotional healing, family life, and spiritual growth.
Ebenezer Madugu
