Dynamics of Family Image by the Elder Child Before and After the Younger Childs Birth in Drawing Test "My Family"

The study explores the dynamics of the family's image and the emotional state of the child (4-6 years old) before and after the birth of the younger sibling. Using the picture test "My Family", conducted twice on a sample of 31 children, it was possible to establish that the birth of younger sibling leads to an increase in anxiety, aggressiveness, mood decline and a feeling of lack of emotional contact with parents by the elder child. Also, child’s representation of the family seriously changes, in the first place the changes concern the family boundaries. After the birth of the younger sibling, the eldest child perceives his family as disjointed, often gets angry with his mother, but at the same time becomes closer to the father, who is perceived by the child as a more accessible figure in the emotional plan. Also, five families with difficulties in the period after the birth of the youngest child were counseled. All the parents who applied for psychological help experienced difficulties in dealing with the elder child, but the cause was seen as sibling jealousy or external life circumstances. This point of view does not allow parents to track their contribution to the problem situation. Based on the analysis of the presented problems, there were recommendations formulated to provide more effective psychological assistance to the family during this period. Key words: siblings, family structure, family image, emotional state, sibling jealousy, drawing tests.