If you have more than one child you have probably had at least a couple of moments where you had to pull your children physically apart as you thought they were about to kill each other. Sibling rivalry is very common and is usually the most intense when there are only two children involved. So, how can we reduce the wars and battles between children? Well, keep reading to find out!
1) Accept that your children are two different individuals.
You need to understand that unfortunately, not every shoe fits every foot. Meaning that you can’t expect your children to act the same and feel the same emotions. The sooner you accept their differences, the better the situation will be.
2) Encouragement and praise!
Encouraging your children to be themselves is crucial for them to accept who they are and also to accept differences in others. Praise your children for good behaviour and get your children to praise their siblings too. It is important to remove jealousy as a factor and incorporate praise and genuine happiness when one of the family members is doing well.
3) Don’t investigate
When a battle breaks out, it is not your job to investigate who started the war. You don’t need to know who started shouting first or who pushed who first. Punish them together and resolve the issues as one unit rather than putting the responsibility on one child. Your role as the mediator is to focus on coming up with a solution, not finding out information about the actual fight. Reason it out with your children and explain why certain behaviour is unacceptable.
4) Play together
Family time is so important. This is where relationships are built. Dedicate time to playing together as a whole family and participating in team-building activities. When children feel they are part of the same tribe they will stick together and be there for one another. Remember that sibling rivalry is normal and cannot be totally avoided but it can definitely be controlled.
If you love baking and want a simple recipe to make with your children, check out our previous blog:
https://www.childcaremalta.mt/biscuits/
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