Section 6: A Second Baby

Multiple-Choice Questions

Select an answer by clicking one of the buttons below. Learn from your mistakes and see what you know! Your responses are not being recorded


1. Why is it difficult for a two-year-old to accept a newborn sibling in the house?

a. a newborn sibling would likely keep the two year old awake some nights
b. the two-year-old would have to share the love and attention of his or her parents
c. the two-year-old would be frustrated because the newborn wouldn't be able to play with him or her
d. the two-year-old may have to share his or her bedroom with the newborn



2. If two-year-olds show resentment toward a younger sibling, what may this indicate?

a. it may show that the older child has formed normal, beneficial ties to the parents
b. it may show that the two-year-olds have not been taught to be tolerant of others
c. it may show that the parents display resentment toward some people and the two-year-old has learned this type of behaviour from them
d. it may show that two-year-olds like older people, because they can help them, and younger people they feel, are of no value to them



3. Dr. White's research shows that children born into the same family less than three years apart can be extremely difficult for parents to deal with. Why do you think this happens?

a. children who are close in age always pick on one another
b. because the mother has two children, she is not sure which one to look after first and this frustrate both siblings
c. mothers always favour one child over the other, so one child always causes problems in order to get attention
d. the older child resents the younger child and picks on him or her. As they grow, the younger child creates problems for the older child. There are ongoing battles which the parents must deal with



4. What situation would Dr. White suggest for parents to avoid sibling rivalry?

a. have children who were born more than three years apart
b. treat all of your children fairly and exactly the same
c. have only one child
d. have a puppy that is not toilet trained for six months before having any children



5. What situation is more difficult for parents than the day-to-day episodes of sibling rivalry caused by close spacing?

a. having a baby with a serious physical defect
b. having too many pets in the house
c. having all boys
d. having all girls



6. The older sibling may be very upset and troubled after the newborn sibling has been in the home for six months or longer. What is a sign that this older sibling may be upset?

a. the older sibling reverts to using a pacifier
b. the older sibling has temper tantrums
c. the older sibling who has been toilet trained goes back to wetting themselves
d. any or all of the above



7. During which stage is the younger sibling more likely to be the only one receiving abuse?

a. after two years of age
b. between 4 and 18 months
c. between 8 and 10 months
d. between 11 and 13 months



8. The younger sibling eventually learns to get the parents' help when being bothered by the older sibling. At which stage does this occur?

a. between 11 and 13 months
b. before 10 months of age
c. between 16 and 18 months
d. none of the above



9. The younger sibling learns eventually that he or she too can be aggressive and cause problems for the older sibling. At what age does this usually occur?

a. 10 to 12 months
b. 12 to 14 months
c. 14 to 16 months
d. over 16 months



10. What is the longest length of time that the effects of being too closely spaced might affect siblings?

a. a few months
b. about a year
c. several years
d. a lifetime