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How To Deal With
Sibling Rivalry
Sibling Rivalry is very common in
families. Here are some tips to help parenting deal with
sibling rivalry.
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Sibling rivalry is very common among children yet is can
cause frustrations in families. Many times when introducing a new baby into a
family, the existing child will display feelings of jealousy. Even established
families, with two or more children, frequently deal with the problem of sibling
rivalry between the children.
As a parent dealing with this rivalry, you should not expect your children to
overcome sibling rivalry and jealousy overnight. This is something that usually
needs to be addressed on an ongoing basis, especially as your children grow
older.
One way to help your children overcome their feelings of jealousy and sibling rivalry is to spend special time with each child individually. By sharing in quality time with each child on a one-on-one basis,
you let them know that they are not in competition with each other.
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You
can actually set up a *date* with your child and let
him/her choose the activity and for that entire day you
can devote your attention to your child in a solo
setting.
When you encounter a disagreement or argument between
your child and you are forced to referee, be sure that
you allow each child a turn to speak. Listen to their
opinions and give each child a chance to share their
view. Many times sibling rivalries can be easily
resolved by just offering an ear. Frustrated children
may not always know how to express their frustrations
without becoming irritated. Teach them to use their
words to express their feelings to you and each other.
Above all, never take sides. The last thing you want to
do is give one the idea that you are more partial to one
child over the another. This will only lead to
even more sibling rivalry and just escalate the
situation even more.
Lastly, help your children by offering them a simple
solution. Even better, offer them questions to make them
think about the conflict and come up with their own
solution. Don’t just focus on breaking apart a war of
the words between your children. Make sure their
conflict ends in a resolution with a plan to follow for
the future.
Helpful Resources:
Better Behavior Wheel An upbeat, fun, and totally unique approach to child behavior management.
Parenting An Only Child The Joys And Challenges Of Raising Your One And Only: Looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the single-child family, and offers tips on raising an only child.
Vicki Lansky's Practical Parenting Tips: Over 1,500 Helpful Hints for the First Five Years. A treasured classic of time-tested tips and advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics and from parents "in the trenches."
Free Subscription to Baby Talk Magazine Babytalk has all the information expectant and new parents want and need – from health and safety issues to the latest and greatest products for baby.
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