Sibling Squabbles

by , posted on July 19th, 2010 in Ideas and Inspiration



This is a picture of my brother Steve and me. Weren’t we cute kids? From the picture you’d think we never argued. I mean, really, look at how much fun we’re having.

 

 

But the fact is, Steve and I didn’t always get along. Siblings squabble. You’re particularly aware of this fact if you have two or more children home with you all day during the summer.

So what can you do when the bickering starts? Here are some suggestions:

Change the scenery – This is one of the first things I do. Simply sending the kids out to play, taking them to the park or just a walk around the neighborhood can make a world of difference.

Break ‘em up - Kids can’t seem to play together nicely? Well then perhaps they need a little time on their own. I find that when I tell my kids they can’t play together, they all of the sudden start getting along.

Let them work it out – When my kids come running to me about some slight, or disagreement, I take the time to listen. But if there’s no imminent danger or bullying involved, I tell them they need to work it out themselves. Then I use what I call my ninja-parenting skills. I monitor what they’re saying while making it appear as if I’m not listening. That way, I’m still able to jump in if negotiations fail.

What do you do when the kids start the summer squabble? Share your tips!


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Comments

3 Responses to “Sibling Squabbles”

  1. Andrea 9PARENTise) Says:

    July 20th, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    Hmmm…at this age (3 and 2) I try to explain what the right choice to make would be. But I’ve recently found myself saying – you two are going to have to figure it out. They don’t understand that yet, but somehow it works…

    [Reply]

  2. Varda (SquashedMom) Says:

    July 21st, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    Well, in our house it’s tough. Because we have autism added into the mix w/ our twins, it’s impossible to let them sort anything out on their own. In the bad old days when J was in space & not relating to E, things were actually easier. Not better, but easier. Now J wants all E all the time, while E wants J OUT OF HIS FACE all the time. Lots of yelling in my house right now, and precious few moments of peace & happiness. Our solution is a lot of separation. Sad but necessary. And then VERY supervised “scaffolded” play between the 2. Or we go to the movies. That works for everyone.

    [Reply]

  3. Jennifer Cooper Says:

    July 21st, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    Movies! That would work for me too. Love the movies!

    [Reply]

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