Getting a Handle on Sibling Rivalry

I put the word "preventing" in quotes, because as far as I know, the only way to prevent sibling rivalries is to have only one child, but don't give up hope. Here's still some more ideas you could probably use:

1. Keep track of the times of day when fighting occurs most. This might involve changing your own schedule or theirs, but it might be worthwhile.

2. Assign one child even days of the month and the other the odd numbered ones, and let them take turns watching TV programs, picking bedtime stories, or sitting in the favorite place in the car for that particular day. If you have more than two children, assign certain days of the week when each may make these decisions and choices.

3. Have a snack or dessert to divide and let one divide and let the other serve himself first. You wouldn't believe how evenly portions will get divided then.

4. Is borrowing a problem? Insist that a child that borrows something from a brother or sister puts up collateral, a possession that will be returned only when the borrowed item is.

Nowhere is written that brothers and sisters must like or love each other, but more often than not they do, despite years of on again-off again fighting.

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