Siblings that fight happens to any family who has more than one child. I know because I have asked.
Growing up I was an only child so there was no fighting. I had imaginary friends that always agreed with me. Now that I have four boys I see that they do not always agree.
At first I was very, very bothered by the pestering and yelling.
Then I decided to start asking other parents if they have kids that fight. My usually response was ” Oh yes…they know how to push each others’ buttons.
We have all been there…15 min into the day and the bickering starts. By the end of the day bickering has turned into constant name calling and who hit who last ….Not fun.
Now I have taken this fighting as my duty to fix. My job is to work with my children so that the fighting will stop between them. Stronger relationships need to be formed and warm memories….So how do I accomplish this task?
Saying complimentary words to each other after a squabble works to grow the foundation for a closer bond. It is inevitable that siblings will fight, how parents handle the fighting is how the children will model their disagreement. My personal belief is not to let “them work it out”.
As adults we don’t always work it out correctly. Children are in the training stage…..
Siblings need to know how to peacefully communicate and work through the issue.
7 Ways To Work On Stronger Sibling Relationships:
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Have a schedule. They have specified times in the day with they play together.
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Special toy bins that are rotated during they day and week for each child.
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Creative play ideas for them to play together and work on stronger ties.
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I listen to them when they fight and ask how they can solve the problem.
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We initiate anger management techniques if they fighting escalates.
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Each of the older two siblings take 30 minutes a day to play with their younger sibling.
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When they do fight and continue to fight or say hurtful words they must each say 3 nice words to their sibling. BONUS TIP**
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Research and daily practice are giving me powerful tools as a parent. No, our home is not free of the fighing but now I have ways to teach them to get along with each other.
In life, it is silly to think we will get along and “like” everyone we meet. The tools to handle our differences in positive ways will build bridges.
So….do your kids fight?
Cheers,
Michelle
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