Tips for Parents Dealing with Sibling Rivalry
Tips to help your children get along with each other
- Help your children recognize their differences and individual attributes.
- Help them develop an open and honest relationship.
- Don't compare your children to each other.
Help your arguing teens find a solution to their problems
- Don't intervene, but do give them guidance.
- Give them the opportunity to work out their problems on their own.
- Don't take sides, remain neutral.
Three ways to help your teen feel more appreciated for who they are
- Spend time with them individually.
- Share an interest in their activities.
- Express to each of your children that you care for each of them as individuals and love them unconditionally.
Three guidelines that can help children work out their differences
- Encourage teens to work out issues constructively. Do not allow aggressive behavior such as name calling or hitting.
- Insist that they try to cooperate first.
- Help enforce the rules by outlining consequences when rules are broken.
Find productive ways for your teens to work out problems
- Be available to listen patiently to the problem and control your emotions. Typically parents have more insight into solving a problem, so give them positive suggestions they can use to work the problem out with their sibling.
- Teach your children good communication techniques, problem solving skills, and the importance of compromise.
- Help them recognize each other's individuality.
Help your teen overcome sibling rivalry by setting a good example
- Celebrate wins and losses, if your teen tried their hardest recognize them for their hard work.
- Overcome your own competitive nature.
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