How to Handle Sibling Rivalry?

Are you tired of your kids fighting with each other? Do not get stressed. Relax and find some tips here on how to handle sibling rivalry.Children are a precious lot. They cuddle us, love us and show affection to us. At the same time, they trouble us due to various reasons. One common reason parents get angry at children is due to sibling rivalry.Sibling rivalry can become annoying many a time. Parents are forced to end the tussle. Here are a few ways to handle sibling rivalry. In this articleDo Not Allow Fights to Become ViolentEncourage AffectionUnderstand that Such Situations are NormalHelp Them Understand Each Other BetterDo Not Be PartialDo Not Encourage JealousyAvoid ComparisonDo Not Allow Fights to Become ViolentCaution kids against violence. Do not allow children to watch television shows, movies and programmes depicting violence as children are very often influenced by television. Ensure that children do not hit each other. As a parent also you can set an example by not using violence at home. Do not hit your children and do not allow them to hit each other as well.Encourage AffectionEncourage children to display their emotions as it is healthy. Hugging releases feel good hormones and relaxes people. Children should hug, play and get along well. It is best to ensure that kids share the same room. However, if the fights become too common, then you can ask them to temporarily live in different rooms. Encourage kids to share toys, sweets and belongings.Understand that Such Situations are NormalSibling rivalry and fights occur in every household. There is no mom or parent who has not gone through such situations. Accept it as a part of life. Sometimes it is said that fights bring two people closer together. That however does not mean you encourage fights. Many a time the situation is not in your control and you find your kids fighting without reason. Relax and realize that you cannot always stop it from happening.Help Them Understand Each Other BetterHelp children to understand each other better. Encourage more family times together. Reduce stress at home. Make the atmosphere at home pleasant and loving. Do not allow children to build ego. The one who started the fight should not feel uncomfortable to say Sorry. Teach your children that apologizing and saying sorry is not a bad thing.Do Not Be PartialSometimes sibling rivalry increases when parents show partiality to one child instead of treating both equally. Do not show more attachment to one child only. Even after the fight, one must be just. Do not blame one more than the other. Children should always be treated equally. Spend adequate time with each of them and do not side with only one child. Parents should avoid having favourites.Do Not Encourage JealousySometimes children fight with each other due to jealousy. Younger children often fight over toys and other belongings however older children have quarrels due to various other issues. Parents sometimes show more preference towards male child and ignore the talents of the girl child which could make her angry. Do not be biased because of gender. Happily accept male as well as female child.Avoid ComparisonSometimes anger, hatred and jealousy develop in children because parents compare one child with the other. Avoid saying things like "See your younger brother is so smart, why cant you be like him?" or "See how well your sister dances why cant you be like her?" Dont compare marks and ranks as well. Comparison can develop feelings of inferiority also in children.Let each child grow at his or her own pace. Nowadays, children also have a lot of stress. Let each child learn to accept their own faults. Teach children to be positive. Help them to grow into mature adults by telling them that fighting will not solve the purpose. Create a happy atmosphere at home. Accept and understand your childs strengths and weaknesses. Teach them to get along without fighting or having rivalry.What are the causes of sibling rivalry? How to end fights between siblings? What can parents do to deal with sibling rivalry? Discuss here.