Sibling Rivalry

Emphasize manners – remind to take turn with toys, promote patience, and model consideration and polite behaviors within the family system.

Foster teamwork – put siblings in situations where they can become partners, feel included, and have older siblings help the younger one(s). Unfairness between siblings is okay – it’s okay for an older sibling to have a later bedtime. Several years between siblings mean different developmental abilities, needs, and wats. Carve out personal time with you and the older sibling(s) where parents can spend personal time together to read or play.
Respect possessions – It is important for kids to have some things that are off limits to other siblings. Giving some control to your child for “special” toys is okay. These toys may not be toys that are brought out when other children come over to play.

Conflict – give the children a chance to problem solve & work things out on their own when conflict arises. Siblings’ interactions lay the foundation for lasting relationships.

When sibling or family conflict is too much to handle - consider  parent coaching.

For more information, contact us or call 210.384.1254.