Teaching siblings to get along can take some time, but with a few tips and tricks you can achieve this goal! Sibling rivalry is a real thing, and sometimes it is very hard for children to see eye to eye.
Nothing beats growing up and your sister or brother becoming your best friend. Someone you can count on and trust fully! Below are ways to help teach your children that they can be friends with each other!
Tips for Teaching Siblings To Be Friends
Role Model: If you have siblings yourself, you know that sometimes you might not see eye to eye, but you still have to be respectful and loving. Lead by example, as your children will watch how you act with your brother or sisters. So make sure to show family is important, spend time with them, and always talk in a positive manner.
Positive Praise: Make sure to focus on each child’s strengths! If one child does great at sports, compliment them. If the other is very artistic, praise them on their masterpieces. Make sure that you are sending out positive praise for their unique talents. This will show your children that they are each good in different areas and that is great.
Don’t Compare: Don’t compare your children in a negative way. Don’t say, “Arnold is so great at running the 50 meter dash, if you tried harder you could be just as good or better.” That is a way to create fights between your children. No matter what the instance is don’t compare.
Sharing: Make sure your children learn how to share their toys and electronics. By taking set turns it teaches them that all things are equal. You can set a timer and for that set time they can play or watch their show on tv, and then when it goes off it is their siblings turn. This is a great way for them to learn how to share and it shows no favoritism.
Kindness: Teach your children manners and being kind to each other and everyone else. Learning to say thank you, and do kind task for others is a great attribute in children. You could go around the table at dinner and share something they appreciate about one another, this is a great way for your children to see that they do love each other.
Personal Time with Mom and Dad: Make sure you give each child set time where it is just you and them. Take them out for dinner, go get donuts, head to the park, whatever they enjoy doing. Making sure each child gets time with the parents alone lets them know they are special and you value them. Do this with each child on a regular basis. Letting your children know how much you love them is so important, and they won’t feel they have to fight for your attention.
I hope these simple tips can help. It takes some kids longer to get along, and some love each other from day one. Just love your children equally and speak positive praise over each one, and work at showing that their siblings are special too, and in time they could become best friends.
About the Author
Kelsey is a freelance writer for bloggers! A country girl from Kansas, who enjoys spending time with family! You can see what Kelsey has available for content in her Facebook Group.