One of the most pressing questions parents ask me, which also happens to be one of their biggest button pushers, has to do with siblings fighting, tormenting and teasing one another.
Can you relate?
We all know that kids can go from playing together in a calm and friendly manner to being the worst of enemies in a matter of seconds. Listening, refereeing and trying to solve sibling squabbles is not only aggravating but completely exhausting as well. Although some sibling rivalry is normal, frequent and escalated occurrences do not have to be the norm in your home.
A dear friend of mine who has 3 boys was at her breaking point one day many years ago when 2 of the boys were completely out of control with their incessant battling.
“Nothing was working!” Mom explained. “Not yelling, not threatening, not punishing!”
So she came up with a plan.
“What is that?” the younger son asked.
“It’s duct tape.” mom replied.
“OMG, What are you going to do with that”, asked older son who was beginning to catch on.
“I’ll show you”, said mom.
And mom proceeded to tape their legs together. (Did you ever run the three-legged race? This is what it makes me think of!)
“Mom! What are you doing? Are you taping us together?”
“Yep, sure am!” “You have pants on. You won’t feel a thing!”
“Wait, this is stupid!”
“Fine, we’ll stop!” the boys protested.
“That’s great because you two will be together the rest of the day.”
“But mom!!!” “I have homework to do.”
“And I don’t have homework.” “What am I going to do?”
“Well, I imagine you will figure that out.”
“But mom!” “What if I have to go to the bathroom?”
“You are both smart enough to figure that out!”
“Gross!”
Hours later, the boys were calm and actually getting along complete with conversation and laughter. They came up with solutions to accommodate for their new situation and to this day, are still laughing at their day of togetherness!
This story always tickles my funny bone. BUT, I AM NOT SUGGESTING DUCT TAPING YOUR KIDS TOGETHER!
However, this story does illustrate some very valuable techniques (aside from the duct tape) that helped the boys learn.
What stands out to you that helped to effectively gain the boy’s cooperation?
Can you name 3 of these?
There are many reasons that fuel Sibling Rivalry. And as reality would have it, siblings fighting and competing with one another will never become extinct but it can become few and far between.
Are you ready to get the answers you need to bring more peace and more joy home between your children?
In my program, It Takes a Village, we will be uncovering the truths behind sibling rivalry and what you can do to tame this in your home.
Raising kids to love and support one another CAN be done. You just need the right tools, strategies and support!
As the old saying goes, friends come and go but siblings are forever.
Let’s help each other so we can raise our children to have a forever sibling friendship. Check out the Village here.
WE BEGIN FEBRUARY 14 from the comfort of your home or office!
Are you interested in joining the Village? Do you have questions?
Call me at 404 432 1590 or e-mail me at sharon@parentingforhappyfamilies.com
I am here for you!
HAVE YOU LAUGHED WITH YOUR KIDS TODAY?