Stopping Sib Rivalry… First, Do No Harm

Truth is, you can’t fix sib rivalry. It’s part of growing up. Surprisingly, the best thing to do when sibs fight is nothing. Don’t ever comment on the fighting and never jump in to save one child from another. As soon as parents get pulled into these perpetual mini-battles and complaints, sibs play up their victimhood. The tears start flowing. The accusations of hurt feelings and ouches skyrocket. It’s a classic parent trap you need to avoid.

Then why so much fighting? Here’s what’s really going on beneath the surface. Both sibs want your attention and want to win (that means you side with them over their brother or sister). Haven’t you realized that sib rivalry sparks as soon as you step into a room… and haven’t you noticed it’s really bad in confined spaces (like cars) where you’re stuck in the front seat like a judge listening to passionate legal arguments. So, keep in mind, your presence is a catalyst for these epoch battles. Don’t join in or try to fix them – it makes things worse.

But there are times you can’t ignore, for example, if one sib smacks the other for no justified reason or an over-the-top insult is lobbed. When this happens, march the offender immediately to their room without warning or a second chance. No lecturing… they already know what they’ve done is wrong. Remove them from family interaction for a bit (I call this a time-away in my book). And if both kids are fighting or getting under your nerves with yelling and nasty behavior, don’t try to negotiate or settle the fight or figure out who did what. You’d have run a DNA analysis like a CSI investigator to get at the bottom of it. Instead, immediately separate them, give no second chances. Give equal time-aways in separate, quiet space. And tell them this:

“I don’t know why you keep fighting and making so much unpleasantness. We don’t do that in our home. You both will have to stay separate until you figure out how to work out your differences and your disagreements better.”

Then do something nice for yourself… pat yourself on the back… knowing you avoided a classic parent trap. Then enjoy the ensuing, temporary quiet!