When Siblings Fight
When Siblings Fight
One of the strongest bonds is that of siblings. Fate made them family and love made them friends. But what happens when your close knit siblings begin to fight?
A few weeks ago my daughters really went after each other. Not physically, but emotionally. “I have the better doll” or “No, she’s my friend only”. You get the idea. Sometimes little things turn into this huge emotional production! (Seriously, think ketchup vs mustard wars.)
Some of their battles are childish, and honestly my daughters can land a role on Broadway with their expressions. But there are other times… times I rather not think about, times when their fights cut deep and wound their spirits.
A wounded spirit, who can bear?
As their mother, it is my duty to teach them. I have to prepare them for the outside world, and the conflicts that WILL arise. One day they will have to deal with bullies, co-workers, teachers, and even the government. No more will mustard be what sends them flying through the roof exploding.
What do you do when your children fight?
It seems like finding a consequence is harder for parents, than it is for children to go through with them.
My daughters need to learn, how not to hurt others. After much trial and error I believe I found something that works for us!
Letters!
What better way to incorporate a time out with, not only a project that makes them reflect, but also gives them the spirit of giving!
They have a guideline; their letter must contain five positive things about the other person. This helps them realize their sibling is not “all bad”. Of course, they throw in their two cents, so usually there’s always one point that sounds similar to “I know you can be nice, please be nice again”.
They then read their letter out loud to each other, and once done reading there are usually smiles upon their faces. Of course we seal this precious time with a hug.
There will be hard times mom. Children have a way of getting under each other’s skin. Let’s use these moments as a training activity to build character in our children. They depend on us, and let’s not forget to do the same in our lives- even if it includes writing a letter to them-or our spouse.
Neyssa is an optimistic homemaking wife and mother to four young children. She is no stranger to tough situations and aims to help other women find strength, through Christ for the sake of their families. When she finds time between nursing a baby and having conversations with her curious children she can be found blogging at rebuilding the well.
