A sibling is often a blessing in disguise. He can be your best friend one moment and an archenemy the next. Sibling rivalry can get out of hand, though, when rules for behavior are not established early on. “Parents need to help their children establish rules and boundaries for how to get along with another,” says Dr. Nancy Buck, a Colorado-based developmental psychologist and author of “Peaceful Parenting.” Help your children work out their differences peacefully by establishing rules for behavior between siblings as a family.
Tag: sibling rivalry
Activities to Keep Siblings From Fighting
Siblings are naturally going to bicker and battle on a regular basis, no matter how much you try to keep the peace. “It is unrealistic to expect siblings not to fight,” says Jamie Rishikof, a Massachusetts-based licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy. “They are rivals because they are thrust into a situation of constant negotiation and sharing. They have to share mom, dad, the house, the TV and the car -- and not by choice.” Constant fighting, however, can put a real strain on relationships. The best parents can do is encourage sibling activities that promote teamwork, cooperation and respect.
Your Turn: Games to Foster Better Sibling Relationships
Your Turn: Games to Foster Better Sibling Relationships Create a Winning Match Through Play Article Excerpt: A squabble over toys or a disagreement about house rules may seem pretty typical between a brother and sister. However, when the arguing escalates and disrupts home life for the entire family, it may indicate that sibling rivalry is rearing its ugly head. According to New York-based Jane Greer, Ed.D., a nationally known marriage and family therapist and author of "What About Me? Stop Selfishness from Ruining Your Relationship," when children aren't taught to share, it results in severe sibling rivalry. Read the rest of the story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Diary of a Wimpy Mom
A few evenings ago I took my 9 and 11-year old to see a screening of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” The movie was quite entertaining with more than a fair share of references to boogers, moldy cheese and bathroom bombs. What made me laugh the most, though, was the chaotic household of this “wimpy” kid. He and his older brother defined sibling rivalry. They physically fought, verbally tortured each other and pranked one another constantly. At one point, one brother even peed on the other in retaliation. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Howdy Neighbor
After spending two weeks listening to my children fight with each other about anything and everything possible, we resorted back to a plan we adopted last summer. They became neighbors, not siblings. As odd and unconventional as the plan sounds, it has worked for us in the past and evolved out of desperation. My son and daughter are at ages (9 and 11) where they both want independence, they don’t want to be bothered with a younger brother or older sister, and they don’t seem to mesh as well as they did when they were younger. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Big Wheel Keep on Turnin’
As young children, we often live in the shadows of our siblings. We tend to tag along with the older ones, mimicking their likes and dislikes. We dote on the younger ones, trying to play mom while tending to their wants and needs. As the middle child, clearly suffering from middle child syndrome, I always felt part of the gang but clearly suffered from an identity crisis. I was Dana’s younger sister. I was Molly’s older sister. I was the middle one, the only one without red hair. In reality, though, I just wanted to be Shannon. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 