Sibling Rivalry: Setting Children Up For Success
Realistically, it’s difficult to expect young siblings to agree to disagree. I know many adults who have a hard time with this concept. So when does a parent step in, when do they leave it to the kids, and how do they promote a positive relationship between their children? Here are 3 tips to consider:
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Celebrate your children’s differences. Enjoy each of their individual talents and successes. Try to avoid labeling or pigeonholing them.
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Set your kids up to cooperate rather than compete. For example, have them race the clock to pick up toys, instead of racing each other.
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Concentrate on being individual, not equal. Fair but not the same. Different children need different things. Trying to keep all things equal will drive you nuts, plus contributes to an environment of competition, jealousy, and comparisons. Make sure that all of your children know they will get what they need, when they need it. This is a more realistic goal than making sure they all get the same things at the same time.