How to Help Siblings Get Along

Sibling rivalry may leave you searching for solutions that minimize the clamor created by your quarreling children. While conflict between siblings is natural, it interjects an additional component of stress into your world that may leave you with a large headache and a limited list of options for change. The good news is that your children̵7;s interactions will provide problem-solving skills and the ability to see another person̵7;s vantage point, reports the website of the University of Michigan Health System. In the meantime, consider a few tips for restoring serenity in your home sweet home.

Instructions

    • 1

      Recognize the distinction between fairness and equality when interacting with your children. Although your children may voice that they want to receive equal treatment, it is usually not within the realm of possibilities. Your children are individuals, with individual developmental levels, responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses, according to experts at the Ask Dr. Sears site. Help your children to understand that the differences in their chronological age mandate some of the discrepancies in responsibilities, privileges and expectations, but expect some grumbling regardless of your efforts.

    • 2

      Minimize devoting time and attention to who initiated the conflict or can be blamed. Help your children to learn that they are accountable for their behavior in all scenarios by discussing and posting rules for appropriate behavior and the accompanying consequences for infractions of the rules. Participation in a conflict means that the child is responsible for some of the problem, period.

    • 3

      Reserve some one-on-one time for each child geared toward his current special interests. Brief periods of individualized attention remind your child that he is loved and that you treasure how your child differs from his siblings. Take the time to listen if your child relates to you that he feels consistently overshadowed by his siblings, and solicit suggestions about how you can help him to feel better.

    • 4

      Look for patterns related to sibling conflicts. Make modifications in the daily routine if you identify that problems are more likely to occur during a specific time, or before a designated activity. For example, if you observe that arguments are more likely to occur before the afternoon snack time, reschedule the snack for earlier in the afternoon.

    • 5

      Talk about positive methods for obtaining attention from others, and model conflict resolution in your own relationships that includes respectful tones and anger management skills. Praise your children when they resolve conflicts without yelling, name-calling and aggression.

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