How to Keep the Peace Between Siblings

Introduction

If you are a mother of more than one child you can probably contribute your own two cents to the topic of sibling rivalries. Sibling rivalries occur in almost every family and can even follow your children into adulthood if they do not find ways to get along with each other. There are hundreds of things that can disturb the peace between siblings and therefore there are thousands of suggestions out there for what you can do to help keep the peace between siblings in your home.

Instructions

If you could learn to keep the peace between siblings you would right? The problem is that some parents simply run out of things to try or give up too early. Here is a list of tips that parents may find helpful as they try to keep the peace between siblings. Remember that, as with most aspects of parenting, teaching your children how to get along with each other may not be easy. But hopefully you will find that it is well worth it.

Tips for how to keep the peace between siblings

To share or not to share – A source of contention for many siblings is often over one object that both of them want to have. Whether it is an article of clothing a toy or even less tangible things like computer or phone time, you as the parent need to establish rules about sharing. Some parents find that establishing rules about certain things that belong to the family as opposed to an individual can be helpful. It is also important to keep in mind that there should also be a respect for things that do not necessarily need to be shared. For example, a teenager’s prized guitar is something that they may not ever be asked to share with a younger sibling. Of course you will need to fine-tune the rules about sharing to match the unique needs of your home.

Set guidelines – You may not be able to prevent every disagreement that may occur between your children, but you can deter some of the more heated arguments by setting some ground rules. Such rules might include that it is never acceptable to use physical force to get what you want, no matter the situation or another rule may be that certain language is not allowed even if you lost your temper. Setting guidelines encourages your children to at least take a moment to think before they act because they know that there will be consequences to their actions despite who may be right or wrong when it comes to the argument.

Show them how to solve problems – It may sound elementary, but many times the reason why siblings become rivals is simply because they do not have the skills to solve their own conflicts and to sort out their own feelings in a productive manner. Saying that it is the parents responsibility to teach their children how to solve problems is easy enough but taking the time and patience to do it is very difficult. Some parents simply do not try or find that they themselves are also guilty of not being able to work through problems. Research out problem solving skills and how to use empathy in an argument. You may discover that the learning process not only lessens the bickering but also improves the lines of communication in your home.

Remember…

Keeping the peace between siblings is going to be a long process that may sometimes include some trial and error. Be patient both with your children and with yourself as a parent. Getting children to overcome their rivalries is extremely difficult and will take time.