Child Mind Institute Provides Resources on How to Handle Squabbling Siblings
Siblings might be each other’s best friend, but too much time spent together over the summer can feel like too much. Squabbling can break out during long car rides or activities in which siblings are spending too much time together.
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The Child Mind Institute has put together a series of resources on what to do when siblings won’t stop fighting. The first step is to figure out if there is a pattern to the arguments, and then to set ground rules to help avoid conflict.
If one child keeps running to an adult to tattle, they should establish rules on when to tell an adult and when to resolve things on their own. Noticing when children are getting along and praising them for it helps to reinforce the desired behavior.
There are also tips for when there’s a new baby on the way or if a sibling has a mental health challenge. When a child is struggling, a sibling might often be the first to notice and can sound the alarm so that their brother or sister can get help.
Below are the Child Mind Institute’s resources: