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The size and composition of the family in Singapore has gradually changed over the past 30 years. The traditional extended family network is being replaced by the smaller and more compact nuclear family. Time constraints, economic pressure and the perceived need for a quality lifestyle have deterred many parents from having more than two children. This birth dearth in a small resource-strapped country like Singapore was noted as a severe problem´ by the government.This study supports the government´s pro-creation policy of encouraging married couples to have more than one child by highlighting the benefits of sibling on the children´s socio-emotional competence. The current study provides other researchers, practitioners and parents with information on the type of conflict strategies sibling dyads use when at play with one another. Hopefully, parents would be able to discern when to intervene during sibling conflict and when to let siblings beneficially resolve their own disputes. It is hoped that this current research would provide a springboard for future local research in the area of sibling relationship in preschool years.

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Beth A. M. Chew, Bachelor of Arts/Diploma in Education, Master of Education (Early Childhood Studies): National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University. Educator, Singapore.

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