How to Cope With Sibling Rivalry

Learn how to reduce the sibling rivalry that is in any home with multiple children.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• patience
• patience
• patience

1. Set aside individual time for each sibling where the two of you can talk and bond without interference from outside sources. It will help to develop a line of communication that makes it easier to see any problems before they get out of control.

2. Make the special time unique and specific for each child and even let the child choose the activity. Keep the activity focused on the child's interests and make sure that you participate with a joyful attitude.

3. Focus on the individual gifts and talents of each child and avoid comparisons with other siblings. You will be teaching your child how to look for the positive in himself or herself (and in others as well).

4. Spend non-competitive time together as a family enjoying parks or other sites around your area.

5. Support the events and activities of each child equally by attending or giving time towards the things that each child finds special or important in his or her life.

6. Look for the positive features and points in each child and compliment him or her on those so that each child knows that you are watching and that you do care.

7. Set the rules for important events (including amounts that will be spent on birthdays and holidays) before the children come along. Having rules in place will help eliminate some of the complaining about who gets to do what and when.

Tips & Warnings

• Accept the fact that families with more than one child will likely have some sibling rivalry at one time or another.
• Understand that sibling rivalry is not all bad and learn to see when you should step in and draw the line.
• NEVER use statements that start with or include "if you were only more like your sister" or "your sister could show you how to do that."