5 Tips to Help Stop Sibling Rivalry

They share 50 percent of the same DNA, were raised together, attend the same school, have shared the same basic life experiences, and yet they always seem to be squabbling. Watching your children argue can be heart-wrenching and many parents are unsure how to stop a rivalry. The Diocese of Orlando offers a few tips on how to help your children live peacefully together.Plan Group ActivitiesMany older siblings become frustrated when they have to invite the “baby” to play with them. Trying to catch a baseball is impossible with a two-year-old running from one sibling to another. Rather than sending out the youngest child when the older ones are playing, find a game they can all play together. Tossing a beach ball around, digging in the sandbox, playing with cars…the possibilities are endless! Show Them Perspective Remind your older child that they were once the baby. Show your children pictures of their older brother growing up – even the goofy, semi-embarrassing moments. By explaining that each child was once the same age and did the same things as their siblings, they’ll develop an understanding for each other’s irritating actions. Keep Valuables SafeOne of the biggest problems older children face with their siblings is their remarkable ability to destroy their most cherished toy. Teach your children to place their most prized possessions in a special spot or on a higher shelf so their siblings cannot reach them. Your older children will find they have much more patience with their little brothers and sisters when they know their valuables cannot be reached. Know When to Intervene Some “rivalry” is acceptable; children almost always vie for their parents’ attention. When one child demands attention, the other will start whining. In grade school, many children will compete academically and work diligently to showcase their stellar grades. When comparing grades, be sure to only compare your child’s present grades against their past and not their sibling’s. When pressure becomes intense, it may be time for you to intervene. If one child adamantly refuses to leave the computer to let his brother play, set a timer. Give clear rules before activities and abide by them carefully to ensure fairness.Encourage Teamwork Build play time into your day that strengthens the bonds between your children. Maybe a parents versus kids game of tag, dodgeball, or even Chutes and Ladders. Every point scored by the sibling team will be a mini victory in unity.Sibling rivalry is not always negative. Your children know they will have to continue to live together, and their conflicts can teach them to solve issues. With these tips, your children will develop life skills such as sharing, communication, understanding another person’s point of view, and work through conflicts. With your guidance, they’ll be laughing together in a few minutes.At the Private Schools in Polk County, Florida, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about our Polk County, Florida private schools, contact us at 407-246-4800.