Mind their Feelings
- Instead of dismissing negative feelings about a sibling, acknowledge the feelings.
- Help children channel their hostile feelings into symbolic or creative outlets, like drawing ,pressing a play dough or acting in role play. Show how angry feelings can be discharged safely.
- Insisting upon good feelings between the children led to bad feelings. Allowing for bad feelings between the children led to good feelings.
Respect their Uniqueness
- Avoid unfavorable comparisons. Avoid favorable comparisons. Don’t compare.
- Children don’t need to be treated equally, they need to be treated uniquely.
- Show the child he or she is loved uniquely. Give according to individual need. Spend time with them according to their need.
Handle Fighting Well
- Respond helpfully to kids who are fighting or battle over property. Let kids work out the solution.
- When the fighting is heading toward hurting, separate the kids.
- Don’t give your attention to the aggressor. Attend to the injured party instead.
Extracted from “Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish” Avon Books
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)