Why are kids now sounding like politicians with their vicious attacks, name-calling, and downright nastiness? It’s election season, which means endless political arguments and attack ads that invade our homes. It doesn’t necessarily mean that kids should take their cues from candidates. How can we stop sibling fights with so much conflict around them?
This battle can be won without a multi-million dollar marketing campaign. We can end sibling fights by changing our parenting methods.
- Lobby for the removal of labels. Name-calling from adults can be a great way to heat competition between children. It could be something as innocent as calling someone “my bookworm” or “the fool.” Even positive labels can lead to unhealthy comparisons. What if the “athletic” one in your family wants to learn the tuba but is intimidated and rebuffed by the “musical” one? Labels can cause sibling disputes that last a lifetime. Now is the time to get rid of the brands.
- Do not moderate the debate. How can you reduce the number of sibling fights at home? Ignore the arguments. Tell your children that you won’t be interfering with their decisions anymore. Next time you hear your kids fighting over who gets to style Barbie’s locks and brush her hair, leave the room. If you stay out of the fight (unless someone gets hurt), it will eliminate the extra attention that your children get. Plus, they’ll have the chance to come up with a solution together.
- Stay strictly bi-partisan. When Legos and hair are being thrown around, it’s time to step in. Don’t be a judge or jury. Labeling someone a “victim” or an “aggressor” and taking sides in a dispute can be harmful. This sends a message to the children that they are not able to resolve conflicts on their own. You can veto any Supreme Court your children want to establish in your house and work toward a mutually agreed-upon solution.
These simple changes to your parenting will make you and your family happier. You will not only have satisfied siblings, but you will also have taught your children valuable problem-solving tools that they will use throughout their lives.