MANAGING SIBLING RIVALRY

Squabbles among kids are inevitable but what can you do to foster better cooperation between siblings?

Finding the patience to weather your children's bickering with one another can be a challenge. It's easy to get frustrated by it, but there are a number of things you can do to prevent these conflicts and create a more peaceful home environment.

It's helpful to understand that kids don't fight because they prefer the other's toy or they genuinely want the other's muffin over their own one. Children usually have conflicts because of family dynamics. Often they're competing for your attention or are simply at different developmental stages. These things can cause instances of envy or lack of understanding and this is perfectly natural. However, it does mean that some rivalry is inevitable - but it can be lessened.

MINIMISING RIVALRY

Here are a few parenting approaches you can take to nurture a family culture where fighting between your children is unusual.

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