Of course, that is not the only resource. Parents.com gives the following tips (http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/friendship/7-tips-for-raising-a-younger-sibling/):
1) Let children know that you are aware of their feelings
2) Explain things in terms that mean something to them right now
3) Acknowledge achievements
4) Do not compare
5) Pay attention to what you are doing
These are not the only tips available on the site. There is a wealth of information available on this site and several others. If you let your child know that you understand what they are feeling and you can find a way to express empathy, your child will know that you are making an effort to see life through their eyes. You want to talk to your children in terms they can understand. You can't tell your child that they can't have a new gaming system this Christmas because you are saving up for their college tuition; that would seem like a total abstraction. You have to talk to them about the cost of the gaming system and explain why the money is not available. Break down the steps logically so that they can visualize what the money is being allocated for. Perhaps the Christmas tree, other gifts, flights, dinner expenses etc.
Finally, many people are so used to being in auto-mode that they completely miss out on one of the most important well-known things in this world. Children learn mostly by example. You can lecture a child forever, but you can be sure that if you tell them not to curse and you do, they will in-turn use inappropriate language because of course, you do. How credible are you then? You tell them to be kind to others and treat others with respect but then they overhear you yelling at a customer service rep and treating that person poorly. Consider what you are doing because your children are learning everything from you. Set good examples for them to follow. Actions speak louder than words and to kids, this is their golden rule.
Youths who have raised their siblings deserve high praise and recognition because this was not an easy task to take on. Imagine giving up most of
your "fun and youthful" years to become a pseudo-parent? This has to be emotionally challenging for anyone, it is an especially hard pill to swallow because you are still a child and it wasn't your responsibility in the first place. Youth-parents
should be proud of their contribution, dedication, and selflessness. If the world was only composed of people who were willing to give their all for others, it would be a vastly different and brighter world.
References:
Ludden, Jennifer. "When Older Siblings Step Into Parents' Shoes." Around the Nation. NPR, 19 Nov. 2012. Web. 28 Aug. 2016.
Vicki Panaccione, Dr. "Addiction to Video Games Is Hazardous to Your Children’s Health!" Family, Parenting, Teenagers/Tweens. Betterparentinginstitute, 17 Jan. 2011. Web. 28 Aug. 2016.
(http://www.npr.org/2012/11/19/165494944/when-older-siblings-step-into-parents-shoes)
(http://www.betterparentinginstitute.com/)