5 Tips on How to Parent to Prevent Sibling Rivalry
Having a sibling helps a child learn critical skills like how to share and how to work through differences. It also provides a playmate and ally in the family. However, for families with children close in age, the development of sibling rivalry is an understandable concern.
Issues with siblings can negatively impact the whole family dynamic, and unhealthy sibling relationships can be difficult to fix when they develop early. Here are a few tips on raising siblings without rivalry.
Equal but Different Recognition
Sibling rivalry can develop when siblings are always trying to receive recognition for the same things. You can put a stop to this by homing in on each child’s individual skills and talents and recognizing them.
Make sure to give equal recognition and praise so that each child feels like they are seen and isn’t left comparing themselves to their sibling.
Allow for Independent Conflict Resolution
Even if you are doing everything possible to raise siblings without rivalry, there are going to be conflicts from time to time. Whether the disagreement is over something small like sharing a toy or over something more substantial, it’s important to allow siblings to resolve conflict on their own.
If parents are always stepping in and interrupting the process, siblings will never learn conflict resolution skills, and it could make the sibling relationship worse. When siblings work through their issues independently, it can bring them closer together and help the next time conflict arises.
Prioritize One-on-One Time
Family time is always valuable, but one-on-one time with parents can be just as important. Kids can connect with their parents in different ways when their sibling isn’t around, and it creates an opportunity for parents to focus on their child as an individual.
In addition, one-on-one time with parents has been shown to boost self-confidence in kids, which can go a long way in improving the sibling dynamic.
Listen
Listening to your kids may seem like an obvious part of positive parenting techniques, but it is especially important to be intentional about listening when it comes to sibling dynamics.
If there’s a dust-up between siblings, take the time to listen to each child independently to understand the issue and help resolve it if needed.
You’d be surprised what kids volunteer when you create an open forum for them to express themselves. Making it clear that your kids have a voice and that they are heard also helps with their confidence and feelings of stability, which can go a long way in improving the relationship between siblings.
Encourage Cooperation Not Competition
Competition can be a natural part of interacting with peers, and it’s not uncommon for parents to encourage competition from time to time. However, encouraging cooperation instead of competition is a much more effective way to raise siblings without rivalry.
Instead of challenging the kids to a race to clear the table, encourage them to do a relay race instead. When one child is struggling with a task, encourage their sibling to help. Cooperation not only helps with sibling conflict, but it’s also a valuable lifelong skill.
Get Sibling Conflict Resources through Northwest NC Families
Raising multiple children isn’t easy, and the development of sibling rivalry can become overwhelming for parents, whether children are very young or reaching their teenage years. You don’t have to manage sibling conflict alone. Reach out for support and education from Northwest NC Families as we would be so very glad to help you.
We can connect you with local Triple P providers and provide resources to help you through challenging sibling dynamics. Contact NWNC or Triple P Parenting for more tips, parenting support, and education.