Preventing Conflict Between Siblings

Sibling rivalry is a common phenomenon at a certain age. It could occur between children of similar age or children who have a wide age difference too. Rivalry could result if children feel that one of them is being favoured over the other, frequent comparisons, showing one kid in a poor light, competition etc.

It is important to balance this situation so that children do not turn into competitors and rivals. Extended rivalry can cause hatred between kids and they may lose the loving and friendly relationship that siblings share.

To prevent rivalry between kids, stop comparing them to each other. Accept that each of your children are unique and talented in their own ways. Do not praise one of your kids and show the other one in poor light. Such unfair comparisons can create a rift between them.

Be fair to both of them. Do not excuse the younger one for faults or mischief and punish the older one. Children may take this to be an unfair treatment and feel that the parent loves and favours the other kid over him/her. This could lead to resentment towards the sibling.

Treat kids equally. Do not fulfill wishes of one kid and ignore those of the other. If you do, give them exact reasons why you cannot meet the request of one of the kids.

Give the same level of love and affection to both of them.

Check the tendency of the older kid to boss over the younger one. While you may ask the older kid to watch over the younger one, set limits to the behaviour of the older kid; for example, not to beat the younger one, not to threaten him/her, not to force the younger one into submission etc.

Do not hesitate to take corrective steps if you see that the siblings do not share a good relationship. You may talk to them about it and help them to settle their disputes.