Why Siblings Argue About Mom and Dad!

Sibling rivalry is real and natural.  We learn at an early age it is a built-in part of family dynamics. This can be both good (a source of motivation) and bad (a cause of pettiness and distancing)

Denial, particularly in caring for a loved who may be in declining physical health or particularly, a loved one with Dementia, is also quite common.  We are all, for lack of a better word, cheerleaders for our loved ones.  We want to see them do well and be well so it is often hard to see or accept when reality offers a different picture.

Gary Joseph LeBlanc, National Speaker on Dementia Caregiving and author of more than 400 “Common Sense Caregiving” articles offers this tongue in cheek observation, “just standing next to a family member with Dementia causes you to suffer from denial!”

Sometimes it is the primary Caregiver that is in denial and cheerleading; sometimes it is the more distant family member who does not have perfect information.  This can often put siblings on opposite sides of awareness vs. denial when it comes to a loved one in the early-stages of dementia and can serve to trigger inherent dynamics of sibling rivalry.

Brain chemistry doesn’t help! 

Anticipation of a visit from a geographically distant family member and interacting with them causes our brain to release Oxytocin (“the love hormone”) that reduces anxiety and can create clarity in an otherwise foggy brain; or provide a “pep in the step” that defies a more typical physical presentation.

A predictable response to a visit from a loved one can mean your somewhat sedentary loved one will be more active or your often confused and anxious parent will be a coherent, rational angel for your visiting sibling… and make you look like you are exaggerating things.

This is “natural” and even predictable on all fronts.

Here is what you do:  Rather than argue about it give each other a hug… enjoy the personal benefits of Oxytocin and work on making some plans you all can live with.

Thank YOU for Caring!

Sources/Links:

Gary Joseph LeBlanc

http://www.commonsensecaregiving.com/

About Oxytocin:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/about-oxytocin/

Caregiving and Sibling Rivalry:

https://www.caregiver.org/caregiving-and-sibling-relationships-challenges-and-opportunities