Work it Out
How should a parent handle sibling rivalry?
Program: Real FamilyLife (90 seconds)
Resources mentioned in program are no longer available from FamilyLife.
Dennis Rainey: How should a parent handle sibling rivalry?
Bob Lepine: Today we're asking, When are your children most likely to argue?
"In the morning, when they are trying to share the bathroom and get ready for school. And then when they're vying for attention from both Mom and Dad. There tends to be some sibling rivalry that shows up."[ Read Full Transcript ]
Dennis Rainey: My wife, Barbara, and I have dealt with our fair share of sibling rivalry. We were in such need of counsel that we asked our friends Howard and Jeanne Hendricks how they handled the issue with their children were growing up.
Their advice was, "Let your children work it out on their own." We've taken their words to heart. We get involved only when necessary for the purpose of training and for character development. We step in if they're hurting one another, physically or emotionally. But usually, we let them work it out on their own. We might send them on a walk together or we give them some space in the house to discuss their issues.
One final thought. Sibling rivalry can prepare your children for the relationships they'll forge later in life. If you teach your children to work out their disputes today, they'll better understand how to admit fault, ask for forgiveness, and restore friendships later.
I'm Dennis Rainey, and that’s Real FamilyLife.
Date: 4/23/2009 12:00:00 AM
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