6 Successful Secrets to Ending Sibling Rivalry

As long as there are siblings, there will be some type of rivalry. Children are people too, and will not always agree. They fight over toys, as well as your love and attention, and will always find a way to annoy each other, but as parents we have to make sure that the banter is harmless and in no way reflects any type of verbal abuse. While the bickering is harmless, it’s just enough to work any parents’ nerves. While, I claim to be no expert, here are few things that seem to work in our home.

1. Take advantage of the age differences.

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If the older sibling has a significant age advantage over the younger, make sure that they are allowed to “feel older” and be older. Saying things like, “I need you to look out for your little sister.” Or to the younger, “Be a good listener to your older brother. It really helps me out.” Making these defining statements and re-iterations help them with their roles, because they know what is expected.

BMWK — Do you have any secrets to successfully keeping the sibling banter at bay?


About the author

Sheree is a wife and WAHM of three who passionately blogs about marriage, family, health tips and more as Smart & Sassy Mom. Sheree is committed to helping blended families and keeping marriages strong, healthy, fun and SPICY!


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Comments (5)

  1. Camille Tuesday - 19 / 02 / 2013 Reply
    These are great ideas! I especially like the interview suggestion. My children are 12, 11 and 5 and the bickering between the two oldest is becoming unbearable! They work well together when necessary and they are very loving towards each other. My husband and I raised them saying "give hugs not hits". The turmoil comes with my son being the oldest and thinking he's the boss of everyone, all the time! It's a balance of encouraging him to be helpful and supportive without being overbearing. In the end, I may lose some hair, but their rhythmic laughter rings true to sibling love.
  2. Ronnie Tyler Tuesday - 19 / 02 / 2013 Reply
    My parents could have used these tips with me and my sister. We were close in age and seemed to bicker a lot. And, I plan to use them with my two youngest girls who are close in age. They love each other to death..but every time I turn around..they are arguing about something...and then playing...and then arguing again. I think when the kids are close in age they seem to bicker more.
  3. Janet Dubac Wednesday - 20 / 02 / 2013 Reply
    Thank you for sharing these great ideas Sheree! I especially agree to tip no. 4. It is very important for us parents to keep in mind that our children are different individuals that are bound to think, act and respond differently. We must not expect one to behave like the other and must never compare them in any way as this will only lead to even more sibling rivalry.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. How To Successfully Handle Sibling Rivalry - February 20, 2013

    [...] If you need more tips on how to reduce sibling rivalry between your kids, here are 6 Successful Secrets to Ending Sibling Rivalry. [...]

  2. Marriage & Parenting Weekly Highlights #13 : RealWade.com - February 22, 2013

    [...] Preventing Sibling Rivalry: If you have more than one kid this is bound to come up at some point. After all none of us are perfect parents and at times we do this that can feed the rivalries that happen in the home. Here are some good tips for keeping the effect at a minimum. [...]

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