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Effective Strategies for Helping Siblings Get Along Better
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Sibling rivalry refers to the natural competition and conflicts between brothers and sisters. Common approaches to improve sibling relationships include avoiding taking sides, encouraging children to use words to express feelings, setting clear rules against physical aggression, and spending focused one-on-one time with each child to reduce competition for attention.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. Establish and communicate clear family rules that physical aggression is not allowed.
- 22. Spend 10-15 minutes of focused one-on-one time with each child today.
- 33. Teach children simple phrases like 'Can I have a turn next?' to express their feelings.
What to say
- “I know you’re upset that your brother took your toy. Can you tell him how you feel?”
- “It’s okay to feel angry, but we use words, not hands, to solve problems.”
- “Let’s figure out a way you both can play together nicely.”
What to practice consistently
- Regularly setting aside one-on-one time with each child to build individual connection.
- Encouraging children to express feelings with words and praising their efforts.
- Allowing children to try resolving minor conflicts independently before stepping in.
What to avoid
- Taking sides or showing favoritism during conflicts.
- Comparing siblings’ behaviors or achievements.
- Intervening immediately in every minor dispute, which can hinder conflict resolution skills.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Avoiding parental favoritism or taking sides to prevent resentment
- Helping children express feelings with words rather than actions
- Setting clear family rules that physical aggression is unacceptable
- Spending regular one-on-one time with each child to strengthen individual bonds
- Allowing children to resolve minor disputes independently to build negotiation skills
- Teaching specific phrases for conflict resolution and praising their use
Related questions
Spending individual quality time with each child and acknowledging their unique strengths helps reduce jealousy.
Phrases like 'I don’t like it when you take my toy. Can I have a turn next?' encourage respectful communication.
Parents should intervene when conflicts become physical, emotionally harmful, or when children cannot resolve disputes on their own.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
How Parents Can Foster Better Sibling Relationships
Sibling rivalry is a common part of childhood, especially when children are close in age or when a new sibling arrives. Parents can help siblings get along better by setting clear family rules, encouraging communication with words, spending one-on-one time with each child, and teaching conflict resolution skills.
Effective Strategies for Managing Sibling Rivalry
Sibling rivalry is a normal part of childhood, often intensified by close ages or family changes. Effective management includes avoiding favoritism, encouraging verbal expression of feelings, setting clear rules against aggression, and spending individual quality time with each child.
Effective Strategies for Managing Sibling Rivalry and Aggression
Sibling rivalry is a common developmental challenge that can sometimes lead to aggression. Managing it involves setting clear family rules against physical aggression, encouraging children to express feelings with words, and spending individual quality time with each child to reduce competition for attention.
Helping Siblings Resolve Conflicts Independently
Helping siblings resolve conflicts on their own involves teaching them communication skills, encouraging emotional expression, and setting clear family rules about acceptable behavior. Parents can support by modeling respectful conflict resolution, praising positive interactions, and stepping in only when conflicts become physical or emotionally harmful.
From around the web
Sibling Rivalry and How to Handle It
Provides guidance on understanding and managing sibling rivalry effectively.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Helping Siblings Get Along
Offers practical tips for parents to foster positive sibling relationships.
Nemours KidsHealth
Sibling Conflict: How to Help Your Kids Get Along
Discusses strategies to reduce sibling rivalry and build cooperation.
Child Mind Institute