Siblings

Abstract

PCIT is most often conceptualized as an intervention directed toward addressing the behavior problems presented in one identified child. Yet, the standard protocol involves siblings in two ways. First, parents are encouraged to provide special playtime at home to all children within the age range. This helps to promote positive relationships between all parents and children in the family. When CDI is provided to only one child, a sibling close in age is likely to feel jealous, causing additional conflict in the family. By having parents practice CDI with more than one child, their skills progress faster and become automatic sooner. Second, during the latter sessions of PDI (usually after the “no-hurting” house rule has been put into place), parents are given the option of including siblings in the coaching sessions.