They are the best of friends and the worst of enemies…they are siblings. Managing sibling rivalry can feel like a full-time job! Here are some helpful tips for managing sibling jealousy, sharing, competition among siblings and much more.
This post contains affiliate links. Using these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
You’re starting to wonder if it’s possible to have a car ride without an argument in the backseat.
Or a meal at the table.
Or anything, really.
Sibling rivalry has taken over your house, and it’s driving you crazy.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of sibling rivalry in your home.
Tips To Reduce Sibling Rivalry
Sibling rivalry can happen at any age. For some families, it’s the day the baby enters the home. In other situations, it’s as soon as the baby starts to walk. But in other families, sibling rivalry starts when one sibling passes the other up on the soccer field or in the spelling bee. Suddenly, a relationship that was working well is now filled with jealousy and arguments. Here are some general tips to help you manage sibling rivalry at any age.
10 Ways to Reduce Sibling Rivalry in Your Home
How to Respond to Fighting and Arguments Between Siblings
How to Parent Super-Competitive Siblings
The Challenges of Welcoming a Baby into the Family
See Each Sibling as a Unique Individual
One of the best ways to reduce sibling rivalry is by giving each child your undivided, uninterrupted, unrushed attention on a regular basis. When we see each of our kids as unique individuals, there is less need to compete with their siblings. The more often we spend this time with them, the more they trust that we have enough love, time, attention, energy to go around – there is plenty for everyone! (Which means less fighting with their siblings!)
How to Mend a Relationship with Your Son or Daughter
50 Simple Ways to Connect With Your Kids
5 Ordinary Ways to Connect with Your Tween or Teen
3 Words Your Child is Longing to Hear
3 Words that Will Change How Your Connect With Your Kids
Strengthen Sibling Bonds
Another effective way to reduce sibling rivalry is by strengthening the connection between the kids themselves. These games focus on building relationships in a fun and positive way, rather than always focusing on their negative interactions.
Creating a “Team” Mindset in Your Home
A Simple Game to Improve Relationships
Create Family Patterns that Discourage Sibling Rivalry
Finally, if you’re serious about tackling sibling rivalry head-on, it might be time to look at your own reactions and responses when siblings start to fight. When you take the time to look for patterns, you may realize there are areas you can tweak or change to build stronger relationships among all family members.
How to Really Listen to Your Kids
Teaching Your Child to Respectfully Disagree
Helping Your Kids Become Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers
Tips to Reduce Tattling Among Siblings
How to Teach Siblings to Share
What to Do When One Sibling Needs More Support
Being Empathetic in Discipline
Recommended Resources:
Click here for a full list of all of my parenting book recommendations!
Online Parent Coaching is Available
If the sibling rivalry in your home is beyond what you can manage alone, schedule an Online Parent Coaching session. We will sit down and talk through your challenges, become curious about what each sibling needs, and find solutions that will ease the tension and build connection in your family. Schedule a session today!
Comments have been turned off to retain the privacy of all families. If you have a question or comment on the topic, you're always welcome to contact me.