However, more than anything, consider that nearly anything that makes a child feel like they stand out in a negative way could put a child at risk for being bullied or bullying. The sibling part is what I’d like to know about, since it would involve a family unit and very close access (much more than a school situation). It’s quite unfortunate that your parents allowed your safety and dignity to be sacrificed during all this. Perhaps they felt guilty about the situation your adopted brother came from and felt like they couldn’t put down boundaries. I don’t know.

Whenever a parent allows a bullying culture to exist in a home, I’d think that any child (regardless of race or gender or whatever) could be more at risk because kids can find any number of things to pick on. When each child is protected and valued, that sends a powerful message to everyone that it isn’t tolerated. So perhaps it has more to do with the attitude and environment promoted by the parents than any particular difference that exists between siblings.

Hope that gives you some insight into your situation, and I’ll post anything I find about race, adoption, and sibling bullying.

Erika

I just finished reading one of your articles on sibling bullying. At the end of it you mentioned you would like to hear from those who have experienced it so I thought I would tell you about my experience a little. I was bullied by my brother who is actually slightly younger then me. Some of it was physical, such as slapping and pushing, and some was taunting and harassing, and threatening, stealing my property, etc. My parents were one of those that did absolutely nothing about it, and acted like it was no big deal.

Also, he is adopted and a different race then me. I wondered if you know if the prevalence for sibling bullying is any higher from an adopted child to a biological child or from one race to another, such as a black sibling toward a white sibling. I am white and my brother is black.

I really thought your article was great and brings the truth out in the open. Thanks.

Jackie

When your son is so little and has needs he can’t easily explain, he may just need you more at this time in his life. you didn’t say where the father is or if you have other consistent male figures in his life. Kids who are around two are more obstinate and mood swingy, just as a matter of developmental stage. But any sort of loss or imbalance in his family life may make this more pronounced. Overall, consider his needs for a stable upbringing over your own desires for companionship. You are your son’s rock, and if your attention seems subdivided (like with your boyfriend) he may feel like he’s lost you. Like I said, this might not be a really popular answer, but that’s just what I’m saying from what you’ve said in your comment.

Best wishes for you and your son overcoming this bump.

That sounds great! I’m lining up my next resources for this week’s edition of Around the Web and will check out your website soon. Thanks so much for writing in.

My name is Shira, and I’m the webmaster of the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF). CABF improves the lives of families raising children and teens with bipolar disorder and related conditions.

Our newly redesigned website includes a Family Response Team which answers site visitor’s questions, a reading library featuring the latest evidence-based information on early-onset bipolar, 50+ online support groups, monthly chats with experts, a local resources directory, a subsite and podcast for teens living with mood disorders, a group blog, and more.

We’d love to be considered for your weekly “Around the Web” feature. Please have a look whenever you get a chance. Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Regards,
Shira
CABF Webmaster