by Dianne O'Keefe

Created on: May 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 28, 2010

The question; “How do I stop sibling rivalry” is one that countless parents have asked on many an occasion as it’s surely one of the most common concerns for parents of multiple children. Before we can accurately provide a solution, the reasons that sibling rivalry occurs must first be addressed.

The reasons are certainly varied but generally have something to do with feelings of jealousy, feeling left out, needing attention or power and an assortment of other common issues and struggles which children and young people often face in family situations.

The approaches regarding how to put a stop to sibling rivalry are also quite varied. It’s imperative to implement strategies that indeed work effectively keeping child self-esteem intact but equally important; definitely help save your sanity!

Putting an end to sibling rivalry is all about managing the incidents and strain which this dilemma places upon families. Hopefully you’ll have some have success with these great sibling rivalry defeaters!

1) Give Your Kids Some Positive Attention: Rivalry is often caused since the child/children concerned deem that they are not getting adequate attention; so by giving them positive attention hopefully the negative attention seeking behavior of rivalry will stop.

2) Spotlighting Each Child's Particular Strengths: Sometimes kids display competitive or quarrelsome attitudes simply because of an underlying belief that their specific strengths and unique qualities are not recognized by the family!

Recognizing any special skills, talents and strengths pertinent to each child will assist to encourage both the individuality and feelings of self-confidence in your children and in turn lessen the incidences of conflict and sibling rivalry.

3) The Importance of One on One Time: By just taking a few extra moments to adjust your busy schedule that will allow extra individual time with each child often has a huge impact on sibling rivalry.

4) Praise & Appreciation Acknowledgements: Giving each family member an opportunity to say something nice about each other is a great way to generate goodwill. Try it and you'll be pleasantly surprised as everyone looks forward to sating something positive. Make a game out of it!

5) A Capacity For Empathy: Try using the old-fashioned ‘if the shoe was on the other foot’ approach!  Rather than instantly labeling a child as selfish, mean or any other fitting description when involved in a colorful display

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