Hi Anita,

Sibling rivalry.  He experienced that as a child as well.  He is the youngest of 4.  Quite a bit of years between each of them (his sister is 71 and the oldest).  His 2 brothers, in my mind, abused him.  They would tease him, which I guess is normal, but also take things from him (like when they finished their ice cream cone, they would grab his away from him).  One incident, his one brother grabbed him by the feet; the other by the hands, and swung him (hammock style) back and forth until they let go and he flew into the wall breaking his toe.  He was about 5 at the time.  I was shocked  when I heard this.  Besides the usual  sibling teasing that happens in families, my parents taught us to respect each other; no hitting, harming.

He has a great deal of affection for my daughter, but has said some negative things about her.  I try to take my daughter to her therapy appointments as a supportive gesture,  and he has said at times, “Is G driving to her appointment today or is he waiting for mommy to take her?”  (sarcasm)

His childhood must have been pretty messed up.   I never realized how much until you bring things to my attention.

Katie