When you have more than one kid, there is a decent probability that you have dealt with sibling rivalry and conflict. The truth is that even the closest sibling relationships can have times of discord.
But with a bit of attention and patience, family harmony may be far more peaceful. When a healthy sibling connection is established early on and children are taught how to handle arguments with their brothers or sisters, conflict and sibling rivalry may be considerably minimized.
Common Reasons Why Siblings Conflict Arise
First, attempt to comprehend the potential causes of sibling conflict. Each conflict may be sparked by a different event, such as a disagreement over who gets to choose which TV show or movie to watch or who has to sweep the floors, but the underlying problem could be more significant.
Conflicting personalities may occasionally be the cause of the issue. In other cases, it could represent unresolved rivalry-related emotions. A youngster could believe that their parent favors their sibling, for instance. Because they believe they are given less responsibility because they are younger, other youngsters may feel angry. Or perhaps one sibling prefers things to be calmer and quieter, while the other is all about adventure.
How To Deal with Sibling Conflict?
Whatever the reason, it’s crucial that parents do all in their power to promote positive sibling relationships and ensure that any disagreements do not negatively impact those relationships. What parents may do to prevent sibling conflict is listed below:
Emphasize the Value of Sibling Harmony for the Entire Family
Tell your kids how your family works together like a team. As with any decent squad, everybody, the father, and the kids—needs to collaborate in order to maintain family harmony. Any family disputes can be detrimental to the entire group or family.
Consider Both Sides
In a dispute between siblings, there will be two sides to every tale. Give each youngster the impression that they are being heard without disruption or judgment. Children frequently report feeling much better after ranting to their parents, particularly when they believe they can voice their opinion and that it will be treated honestly.
Make Respect an Unbreakable Principle
This implies that there should be no teasing or physical violence of any kind. Additionally, teach your kids the importance of listening carefully to the other person’s perspective and treating others with the respect you want for yourself.
Set A Positive Example About How to Solve Issues
Children observe and mimic their parents, and they pick up sibling conflict resolution skills from the way we deal with issues with our partners, friends, and family. If we treat our children with respect and love when we argue, they will pick up these conflict-resolution techniques and use them on their own.
Encourage Children to Describe the Issue in Detail
Tell your youngster to ignore their sibling and concentrate on the reason they are unhappy. For example, your child should express their concerns directly rather than stating something such as, “You’re not being equal!”
If they are dissatisfied that their sibling frequently chooses which game they will play. The debate may shift from concentrating on a sibling’s conduct to being more focused on the problem and its resolution by being explicit about the issue (having an equal voice in picking the games).
Step Forward
Some parents think it’s preferable to allow kids to settle conflicts on their own. That may be true to some extent if kids are given the skills to resolve conflicts in a healthy, productive, and peaceful manner.
But step in right away if the dispute becomes heated, or there is verbal or physical hostility. If you are not there when the dispute takes place, sit down with them and discuss what happened, making it plain that any kind of aggression is not permitted in your family.
Make Early Acquaintances
Get your older child familiar with the new baby before birth to prevent sibling rivalry. Show her images of a baby developing within a mother’s womb. Let her chat to the baby, stroke it under the bulge, and feel it kick.
Playback the younger child’s early years. Browse through your child’s infant photo album while you both sit down. Show her how she appeared after giving birth, after leaving the hospital, while breastfeeding, and after getting her diaper changed. She will be ready for replication of her brother or sister if the younger child’s infant activities are repeated.
Conclusion
Children frequently get along one minute and hate one another the next. When situationsget out of control, use these tactics to reduce sibling conflict and regain control. Try to seek out professional assistance from Inner Acceptance Therapy if you require objective understanding and guidance that can point you and your kids in the correct route.
