Today at Momscape.com: Are you an Earth Mother or a Creative Rainbow Mother? Find out.
Coupons | Product Reviews | Contests | Articles | Forums | Search | Subscribe
Family Fun | Parenting Tips | Romance | Health & Fitness | Organic Living | Weight Loss | WAHMs
Welcome Momscapers!
Momscape.com is an award winning online magazine delivering
uplifting personal essays
from real parents - plus
practical guidance on parenting,
family fun,
romance,
travel,
health & fitness,
weight loss,
and more.
We invite you to share your
MamaWisdom and to help us
spotlight
products that make your life as a mom easier or better while you
enjoy our money-saving
online coupons and
family travel
discounts.
We want to help you enjoy the
simple (and fine) things life has to offer.
Subscribe to Momscape >
or
Get Our Daily Coupon Updates by Email
Bookmark and share Momscape with your friends:
Today:
Old Navy Maternity
Online Exclusives
Online Coupons
Today's
Favorite Coupons
All Online
Coupons by Store
All Online Coupons by
Category
Printable
Grocery Coupons
Product Reviews
Momscape's
Favorite Things (Blog)
Top-Rated
Mom Product Reviews
Family Fun
Activities & Crafts
Family Travel
Deals
Free Scrapbooking Ideas
Parenting Articles
Baby Tips
Toddler Tips
All Parenting Articles
Inspiration/Essays
Relationships
Marriage
Romance
Friendships
Health
and Fitness
Fitness Tips
Natural Living
Nurturing Your Spirit
Weight Loss
Professional
Family Manager Tips
Home-Based Business
Community
MamaWisdom Forums
About Momscape
Subscribe
Site Map
Links
Link to Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
About us
Contact Us
Sibling Rivalry: Ten Ways to Prevent Kids from Fighting
by Mark Brandenburg, MA, CPCC
Fighting among siblings is as natural as the changing of the seasons.
And contrary to what many parents believe, sibling rivalry is a sign of
mental health in a family. While there may be times when it's difficult
to deal with, there are some simple things you can do to limit fighting
and make it tolerable:
1. Ignore Their Fighting
Fighting is often a way for kids to get you to notice them. If you
ignore their fighting (unless weapons are involved), there will be less
incentive for them to do it.
2. Treat Your Kids the Same When it Comes to Fighting
If you get into who started things, you may be training your kids to be
victims and bullies. Put them in the same boat and don't take sides.
3. Give Your Kids Positive Reinforcement when they're Cooperating.
Let them know they're doing a wonderful job when they get along. This
one's easy to forget, but vitally important. Give them attention when
they're behaving the way you want. Continually telling them to stop may
actually be creating more fighting!
4. Limit Your Own Fighting and Arguing.
Having your kids see occasional arguing and "making up" from you is
fine, but your kids will learn how to be peaceful from you. Don't expect
them to do it well if you don't show them how.
5. Create an Environment of Cooperation.
Do projects together as a family that involve cooperation. Talk about
how important it is for the family to cooperate. Avoid games or
activities that promote fighting or excessive competition in your kids.
6. Train Your Kids in Peacemaking when They're Away from Conflict.
Talk to your kids about fighting at a time when they're relaxed and
open. Ask them about what other options they might have taken rather
than to hit their sister. Help them to brainstorm better solutions.
7. Try to Avoid Punishing your Kids
Punishing kids usually just creates angry kids who are more likely to
fight. While some punishment may be inevitable, do your best to give
consequences instead. Punishment may bring short term solutions, but
will also bring long term problems.
8. Control How You React to their Fighting.
When you must intervene, make sure you stay calm. If you're angry and
shaming, you actually make it more likely that fighting will occur
again.
9. Limit the Number of Fighting Opportunities You Give your Kids.
Think about what has the potential to start fights. Don't buy a red ball
and a blue ball, this may easily result in a fight by your kids. Buy two
red balls--no fight. Be familiar with the times in which fighting occurs
the most-when they're hungry or tired. Take precautions, like having
dinner ready before the "bewitching hour" occurs.
10. Love Your Kids for All They're Worth
Every day tell them you love them, and more importantly--show them. Kids
who feel emotionally connected to their parents are the least likely to
fight. This won't eliminate it, but the alternative isn't pretty at all.
About the Author:
Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, coaches busy parents by phone to balance
their life and improve their family relationships. For a FREE twenty
minute sample session by phone; ebooks, courses, articles, and a FREE
newsletter, go to
http://www.markbrandenburg.com or email him at
mark@markbrandenburg.com
Subscribe to Momscape >
or
Get Our Daily Coupon Updates by Email
More Zappos Coupons
Best Buy Coupons
Moms are Raving About
> Netflix Review
> Journal Buddies: A Girl's Journal for Sharing and Celebrating Magnificence
> Jeep Overland Jogging Stroller
> Fisher-Price Baby Papasan Cradle Swing
> Jeep Wrangler All-Weather Umbrella Stroller
> Bugaboo Chameleon Stroller
> Sounds of Baby CD
> Stacking Toy Review: Rock A Stack by Fisher Price
> Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder
> Burt's Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme
> Burt's Bees Baby Bee Apricot Oil
> Book Review: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskins
> Perego Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat
> Baby Trend Latch Loc > Infant Car Seat
> Baby Cubes Baby Food
> Fuzzi Bunz
Tushies Diapers
> Monkey Bums Baby Sling
> Moby Wrap Baby Carrier
Maya Wrap
> Britax Convertible Car Seat
> Sassy Me in the Mirror Toy
> Isis Breast Pump
Modest Mums Nursing Covers
> Especially for Baby Bottle Warmer
> Shop-and-Play Mat and Activity Center
Coupon Codes: Babies R Us
Coupon Codes: Baby Universe
Coupon Codes: Baby Center
Coupon Codes: Koo Koo Bear Kids
Coupon Codes: Leaps and Bounds
Coupon Codes: One Step Ahead
Coupon Codes: Warm Biscuit Bedding
Discounts: Baby Gear
Discounts: Toddler Gear
Unique Baby Gift Ideas
Free Baby Stuff