“Can we give the baby back?” “He hit me!” “I hate her!” “It’s mine!” “She touched me!” “He always ruins my things!” “She’s a liar!” Do these words ring through your house? If so you are probably the parent of more than one child. Learning how to diffuse sibling rivalry can mean the difference between maintaining your sanity or losing it.
- Only act as referee when someone is in danger, otherwise let children resolve their own problems.
- Whenever possible, spend special time alone each week with each child.
- Recognize that each child is a separate individual with his/her own strengths and weaknesses.
- Help each child know and cherish his/her special talents. Focus on the positive.
- Avoid comparisons between siblings.
- Acknowledge your children’s feelings about their siblings, even if they are unpleasant.
- Insist that each member of the family treat the others in a respectful way. Model this for your children.
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