How to Stop Siblings from Fighting

Almost all siblings fight and as a parent, if you have more than one child, you already have your hands full. Here are some easy steps to try to get them to stop all that bickering.

Instructions

How to Stop Siblings from Fighting

1. Let your children know that you understand how they are feeling. By expressing empathy you will validate their frustrations and perhaps, next time, they will be able to use words to express what they are feeling instead of fighting.

2. Consistently reiterate house rules and let your child know that hitting and yelling are not acceptable forms of play.

3. Threaten to separate them if they can't play nicely. Most likely they would rather stay together than not. But if they can't continue the peace, be prepared to back up your threat with action.

4. The backseat of the car is an endless battle zone for siblings. Usually, boredom is the culprit so make sure there are plenty of things for them to do when they are in the car. If they do fight, however, and continue to make it difficult for you to concentrate on the road, do not hesitate to pull over the car. It's better to be safe than sorry.

5. Sometimes when children share a room they are likely to fight over each others possessions. The best way to avoid this is to let them each have a designated space, especially to themselves that they can decorate as they choose. They also need space from time to time, so make sure to allow for this on a daily basis.

6. Give your children plenty of one on one time with you so they don't feel the need to fight for your attention. And never compare them to each other or suggest that one be more like the other. That will only encourage animosity.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your children have separate activities and ways to build confidence that allows them to stand out from their siblings in their own special way.

• Teach children to figure out how to resolve their issues on their own so they don't always have to come to you for solutions.