Tired of fighting with your siblings? Tips to stop.

sibilings63561169.jpgTeens are prone to fighting with their siblings and if it is not controlled, the problem may continue into adulthood. Fighting with siblings can cause marital strain on their parents and it is actually one of the reasons why parents divorce. Parents that are tired of seeing their children fight with one another need to follow these tips to get them to stop:

  • Set rules about butting into each others business. Siblings need to learn how to have respect for one another and their property. Personal space should be respected by parents too because it can cause problems between your relationship. Set rules about bedroom space and make sure that siblings know they will get in trouble for violating this rule.
  • Have rules about homework time. A lot of sibling disagreements start because one sibling hasn't finished their homework and they want to participate in the activities that everyone else is doing. Make sure your other siblings know they cannot watch television or play on the computer in the same room as the sibling that is doing their homework. You also need to punish siblings that taunt others by saying rude comments like "Oh my gosh, you are still doing your homework? Your so stupid."
  • Pull your older siblings aside and let them know that their younger siblings look up to them. Encourage them to be an example for their younger siblings by helping them, not putting them down all the time.
  • Teach your children how to apologize. A lot of sibling fights can quickly be stopped if someone will just say they are sorry. Even if they didn't cause the problem, encourage them to say they are sorry to break the tension their siblings may be feeling.
  • Make time to spend together as a family. As children grow into teenagers, they are often busier and spend more time with their friends. Set aside one day each week to spend as a family. Do a fun activity that brings you all closer together. Try to pick an activity that divides the children into the same team. This will force them to find ways to work together and they may be surprised to see they actually enjoy spending time with their siblings.
  • Encourage your children to play together. The more time you spend together, the tighter your bonds will be. If you have younger children, encourage them to ask their older siblings to read a story to them or play with their toys.
  • Always eat dinner together. Dinnertime is important for the entire family and it helps to bring everyone closer together. During dinnertime, encourage each child to spend a few minutes sharing what they learned at school, etc. Make sure your other siblings respect their time to talk by listening and not interrupting them.

Parents can be an example to their children by the way they interact with their own siblings. Do you yell and get into heated arguments when you are around your family? This behavior will be noticed and copied by your children. Treat your siblings with respect and love, even if they do drive you crazy.

Have family gatherings with your brothers and sisters and their children. Spending time with extended family is a great way to show your children the importance of family relationships. It will show them that while they may have some great friends right now, family will be around forever and they may be the only friends you keep throughout the entire existence of life.

Encourage a home of open communication. This will help everyone express their emotions in a positive manner and it can prevent hurt feelings from occurring.

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