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What's a Parent to Do? 

As promised in the last issue of the Brethren Beacon, here are a few suggestions for dealing with conflicts surrounding sibling rivalry:
  • Set aside special parent time for each child daily, or at least once a week. Each child will be able to have all of a particular parent’s attention and affection with no intrusions or interruptions.
  • Respect each child’s individuality. Recognize and accept differences of temperament, personality, and ability.
  • Communicate to each child why a sibling behaves a certain way. Help develop an understanding that it’s not always “about them”.
  • Downplay competitiveness within the family, especially competition focused on things like report cards, ability to read, ride a two-wheeler, and so on.
  • Try to never compare one child with another…even in your mind.
  • Talk about and role play new ways children can handle sibling rivalry.
  • Keep calm, use a normal tone of voice, and try generally to ignore as many minor conflicts as possible.
  • Model appropriate ways to handle anger, jealousy, and disagreements.
You may find that trying some of these things will not only diminish the amount of conflict between siblings, but also diminish the number of times you find yourself yelling, threatening, or even getting involved.
Linda Morgan; Parish Nanny
 
 
 

From our OCTOBER 2011 newsletter

 
 

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