4 Surprising Ways to Stop Siblings From Fighting
8:15 AM
It's summer. For us, that means all the boys at home together, all day, everyday. This can cause fights, tattling and and other actions that threaten my sanity. I learned a long time ago that non-traditional methods work best with my boys. For instance, since implementing the "I'm Bored" chore jar, I have not once heard any of the kids say they were bored this summer. So, when it comes to them arguing and being mean, we use methods like the ones below to help settle the issues and calm them down.
1. Hug It Out
I have found that one of the worst things I can do to the boys is make them hug. Especially the oldest two and especially in a public place. It is like pure torture asking them to do this and threatening to make them hug is sometimes all it takes to get them to leave each other alone.
2. Say Something Nice
Along the same lines as the above tactic, this one focuses on getting them to actually be nice to each other. I personally love this method and when I remember to use it, it works wonders. If they say something mean about each other, they have to stand in the middle of the floor until they can say two nice things about the person to counteract the one mean thing they said.
3. Work It Out
Boys are full of energy. Sometimes all they need when they are fighting and getting on each other's nerves is to be kept busy. That is where outside time comes in. I separate them and give them a task to do outside or just make them run/swim it out. Getting rid of some of the pent up energy can end arguments and it doesn't hurt that the pine cones and sticks in the yard get picked up either.
4. Family Activities
While it may seem that putting them together more would only cause further issues, sometimes the opposite is true. When left to unstructured play, they may fight like cats and dogs. However, if you can focus their attention on a family task such as a board game or craft, they can come together to have a fun time instead of fighting. Redirection if you will.
What different tactics do you use to keep the kids from fighting during the summer?
30 comments
Thanks for the tips! As an only child I'm a little worried about how to handle sibling dynamics. Wish me luck.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are driving me nuts with their constant arguing over toys!
ReplyDeleteThe hug it out method is a huge fave of mine!
ReplyDeletemy kids are driving me CRAZY! i'll have to try these tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Hehe, hug it out boys!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips.. I hope my daughter enjoys new siblings. First we'll enjoy her! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, some kids fight all the time, must make mama go crazy!!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, some kids fight all the time, must make mama go crazy!!
ReplyDeleteYou right on - these are exactly the same things we did to keep our kids from irritating each other. It's generally boredom and kids WANT to interact with you. There will be plenty of years ahead where they won't so I always say put down what you're doing and go play.
ReplyDeleteSometimes they just need to play with different friends and take a break I find!
ReplyDeleteI used #2 often. If they are caught being ugly, they have to sit and face each other only saying good things about the other.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. Today was the worst kind of day for sibling rivalry around here. If they start at it in the morning again, I will be coming back!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions! In our home I try to give each child some alone time to play by themselves as well as some alone time with me. This way they get a break from one another.
ReplyDeleteYou forgot send them to their rooms. (That only works if they don't share rooms.)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Jake's here all by himself though, lol.
ReplyDeleteWith an only child... this is one thing I don't have to worry about. :)
ReplyDeleteI have an only child, he would butt heads with me rather than a sibling.
ReplyDeleteI definitely go with humor to get them laughing at each other.
ReplyDeleteNothing works for me and my sister. I hope I dont have the same problems with my kids....
ReplyDeleteHahahah... Have this mental image of older boys "hugging it out" in public. I'll have to remember that one.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I need to get a bored jar this summer!
ReplyDeleteYou mean arm wrestle didn't make the list. LOL! great list though.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. My kids think I am killing them when i tell them to hug or say something nice. You would swear it was the end of the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! My boys are great kids, so can't complain, but the hardest thing about parenting for me is the sibling bickering. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to remember these tips when we add on to our family.
ReplyDeleteI have two boys and its great to hear tips to help with the fighting.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice!
ReplyDeleteI only have one..but great tips!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I am sure I will need this some day!
ReplyDeleteI have 3 boys and they always fight for toys. Those are really great tips. Many many thanks from me.
ReplyDelete