Sibling Rivalry
Okay readers! I need your input. I have two daughters who are 3 years apart in age. From the time they wake up until the time they call it a day it seems like they are constantly bickering with each other. I have resorted to no-fault punishment meaning that I don’t care who started it, they both get to take a time out or go to their rooms, but it doesn’t seem to be working.
Any ideas? Any techniques for reducing the cattiness level in our house? It is driving me crazy!
It sounds like it is really exasperating you. I take it you have expressed that to them?
Please excuse the link to Hamelife, Char, but could I suggest a Family Meeting? Your chosen subject is “squabbling”.
My daughters are four years apart and I had this same problem until the youngest turned 12. Let me tell you, the fighting could be brutal. When the youngest turned 12, for some reason, they decided to become friends and they actually get along fairly well.
I’d say hang in there. It should get better.
One thing that they do now is have “sister” sleepovers in the family room. We let them pull their sleeping bags in there and they watch movies and do everything they would do if a friend was sleeping over.
Rory – thanks for your insight. Trust me, I have expressed my frustration on more than one occasion.
Laura – it is nice to hear that they might just grow out of it! The funny thing is that my girls can argue and fight all day but as soon as it is bedtime they are best friends and want to share a bed. I know one day they will be great friends, but it is just so frustrating now.
Char,
I recommend duct tape. : )
I will end up there eventually. Ever tried taking some time with each one individually? This is really hard to find time for, I know. But sometimes the root is just sibling jealousy and some individual time helps.
Any idea what it stems from? I work with teenagers all the time and have found that they argue more so when there is another issue looming than when they are just in a bad mood.