I have recently started counseling a darling six-year-old girl due to her being extremely jealous of her four-year-old sister. Sibling rivalry! It’s difficult to explain the love of a parent for all their children to such a young one.

We had this conversation a week before Christmas so we then began discussing what Christmas was about and talked about peace on Earth. I tied that in with peace at home and how she could begin with herself showing love and concern for each family member.

A few days later her mother reported to me that the girls had just left a Christmas party and were very tired. The four-year-old began crying about an old toy that she could not remember where she had put it. The mother held her and tried to comfort the inconsolable child. The mother said that the six-year-old came over and patted her sister. Then she said, “Ms. Sharon told me when something bad happens to also think about all the good things that happened. Let’s think about all the fun we just had at the party.” She was showing wonderful empathy for her sister and it worked. The young one stopped crying.

Let peace begin with each one of us--in our thoughts… in our words… and in our actions. Have a wonderful new year.

P.S. Please see my other column, The Counselor’s Corner New Year A New You.

Copyright © 2009, Sharon Scott. No reproduction without written permission from author.

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