8 Parenting Tips To Deal With Sibling Rivalry

When you become a parent for the first time, you lavish your attentions on your little one. There is no limit for the time or money that you spend on him or her. Everything is rosy in your little world until the second child arrives. That is when trouble starts.

Dealing with sibling rivalry is not an easy task. Both your children will be in a constant race to outdo their brother or sister. Whatever one has achieved, the other need to top it. This is just a psychological reaction to get the full attention of the parents. This attention need not be in a complimentary form.

But, all this rivalry is a little misleading since siblings are fiercely attached to one another. If one goes for a sleepover with a friend, the others miss them badly and are restless till they return.

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As a parent, you need to help your children achieve a balance between this rivalry and love. Both are normal responses of healthy children. You can do many things in dealing sibling rivalry so that it does not get out of hand, especially between toddlers.

Following are some parenting tips for dealing sibling rivalry.

Prepare the ground: Parenting tips in dealing sibling rivalry start even before the birth of the younger child. While the second child is still in your womb, get your older one to get used to the idea of being a big sister/brother.

My pretty pony: Once the child is born and is a few months old, he/she will develop an interest in toys. Do not expect your elder kid to share all of his/her toys. Set aside a few common toys, while each keeps a toy or two for his/her own.

Safeguard their treasures: Parenting tips for dealing sibling rivalry is to protect each one’s art work and other similar treasures from the attack of his/her sibling. Keep it out of reach of the other so that the work gets appreciated by others in the family.

Do not negotiate: Parenting tips insist on never negotiating with your child to behave well. Instead, take a firm stand and teach them to obey the rules. Be strict on the ways how they should behave with each other.

A positive role: Dealing sibling rivalry becomes quite easy when you give a positive role for your elder child. For example, on your younger child’s birthday party, give a positive role to your elder one so that he/she does not feel left out.

Divide your time and attention: While dealing sibling rivalry, make sure to divide your time and attention between all the siblings as equally as possible. Many sibling rivalries are tactics to get your attention on them, instead on their sibling.

Special toys: While dealing sibling rivalry, parenting tips include setting aside some special toys or stories for your elder child when you are occupied with your younger one.

Your child’s hero: Remember that you are your children’s role model and hero. So their method of settling their rivalries with one another will reflect the way you resolve their conflicts. Set a good example for your children to follow.