For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for May 30, 2020

makes me wonder: how well did Michael get adjusted when Elizabeth was born?

Isn’t Liz too old for sibling jealousy? She’s 10. Granted, this strip was originally ran 20 years ago when there was no video games and cell phones. Today’s 10 years olds chat on phones, play games on TV or devices. They’re happy to leave their infant siblings to their mothers who in turn leave them alone to do what they want because they’re focused on their infant siblings. A bonus. Liz, April needs mom more than you. You can just go over to your friends’ houses to play or call them. No need to mop around.

I think Michael still hasn’t adjusted to Elizabeth, what with the way he keeps physically attacking her. And yes, I still find that behavior abnormal; I don’t care what anyone says, sorry not sorry.

I don’t think you can draw simple conclusions from complicated relationships, like that of siblings.

Liz will adore April one day; be annoyed with her the next.

Lavish attention on her, then be jealous.

It’s what sisters do.

 

Kids don’t always have the life experiences to interpret their own emotions, or see the big picture… every day is a new situation, a new reaction.

They also internalise guilt when they think they’re being judged, or that they don’t have the “right” feelings… so they act out, like Liz throwing her doll.

 

I don’t think “hatred” is in the mix… why?

Just let an outsider some day attack April, verbally or otherwise, and she’ll always suddenly become Elizabeth’s precious little sister.

You can have personal grievances with your sibling but others aren’t allowed to.

 

My only sister was born when I was two… supposedly the perfectly worst age.

Our family moved a lot.. Air Force.

We were constant companions; we fought; we were jealous…

We bought each other presents and told each other secrets, played with and screamed at each other.

 

I don’t fight with anybody. Honestly. Except she can push my buttons and make me fight.

We live 1000 miles apart… if we lived in the same house… well… let’s just say it might not be pretty…

but we miss each other.

We talk almost every week, and we’d do anything for each other (except possibly share a residence.)

Sisters.

Elizabeth is now the “middle” child

She feels uncared for, so she should go see what Farley is doing. That dog’s joy in seeing her will make her a little better. Not as great as mom’s attention, but still a boost.

Elly can toilet train April, Elizabeth and Michael all at once!

I loved it when my brother was born, got to help my mom feed him, change him, give him a bath etc.In later years teens and on me and my best friend volunteered in the infant ward.

That’s the way it goes, Liz.

Look! She’s babysitting!