How to Encourage Siblings to Apologize

It is only natural for siblings to fight. There may be sibling rivalry, fights between brothers and sisters over toys, or even just a difference in how they view life situations. When you see your children fighting you may feel discouraged and may not know how to remedy the situation before it escalades to a point of no return. As a parent, you must instill values into your children.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Sit down with your children and let them know how upsetting it is to see them fighting. If they are aware that their fighting is not only affecting them, but you as well, this may encourage them to apologize to each other.

2. Remind your children about fights that you had with your siblings. Provide some good examples and tell them how it affected you at the time and your parents as well.

3. Let your children know how much you love them and that you see how hurt they are when they fight with each other. Explain that as a parent, you can only hope for the best, and that you expect them to apologize to each other. If you hold high expectations, your children will want to please you.

4. Put your children in separate rooms until they do apologize. Keep them separated until they decide that they miss one another too much. Many times children will get over the fight very easily, especially if they no longer have a playmate.

5. Encourage your children to apologize and to look into one another's eyes to explain what they are sorry for and how they can avoid the fight again.