Putting an End to Sibling Rivalry

Are you tired of your children constantly fighting with one another?

According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations in Milwaukee, Mequon, Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa, “It’s only natural that your children won’t get along all of the time, but you can minimize disagreements and rivalry amongst them by keeping a few things in mind.”

Anderson says research has shown that sibling rivalry is least likely to happen in homes where aggression and name-calling are unacceptable and where parents can solve problems respectfully. She also says that it is important to plan family activities that all of your children can enjoy.

Here are some other tips to consider:

Protect Each Child’s Space

Don’t let your 8-year-old go into your teenager’s room without asking or allow your toddler to destroy your kindergartener’s first art project from school. Make sure that your children understand there are limits and boundaries that need to be respected for each individual in your family.

Watch Out for Favoritism

Avoid treating your children differently just because you feel closer to one child due to differences in their personalities and interests. Children are quick to pick up on this, and it may cause problems between siblings.

Give Each Child Attention

Try to schedule one-on-one time at least once per week with each of your children. This helps them feel special and allows you to focus entirely on their individual needs.

According to Anderson, “This is also the perfect time to talk to your children about what they are good at versus when siblings are in the room and can overhear.”

Avoid Comparisons

Leave siblings out of your discussions when problems arise.

Anderson says, “While it is easy to say, ‘Your brother never behaved this way when he was teenager,’ it will only breed contempt between siblings and do nothing to help improve behavior.”

Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.

Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers a variety of free Family Fun Nights and other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.

The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, on Milwaukee’s southside, in Greenfield, Mequon, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070 or visit the agency’s website at www.ebenezerchildcare.com.