What others say is the real test for parents is to handle more than one child. For those of us who grew up with siblings, we all know the ruckus that siblings can create. Whether it’s about cootie problems or jealousy over who got which during Christmas, there’s bound to be some friction between them.

It’s all about fostering within children interpersonal skills and developing a real bond between the siblings. Among themselves, they should know how to share and cooperate. Love comes naturally between siblings and it’s all in a matter of time when, in such an environment, siblings will get along.

Some “crimes” that parents can commit when dealing with bickering siblings are:

• Taking sides - Favoring one child over the other hacks away at a child’s self-esteem. Not to mention feel less loved.
• Dismissing negative feeling - If one sibling is angry towards the other, don’t dismiss this. Let them tell why for the other to understand.
• Solving the problem themselves - Arguments between siblings can be resolved among themselves. It’s just a matter of showing them how. Moderate but don’t be the judge, jury and executioner.
• Punishing - Punish one, punish all. But what good would that do? In the end children will end up blaming each other for the punishment.

Does this mean, we should teach children to negotiate? By all means! Just do so when things have calmed down between themselves. Trust in them that they will work things out.

So when they start bickering, be calm and firm. Moderate but don’t punish. And never turn a deaf ear.