Kids will get into it with each other from time to time. There’s probably no way to entirely eliminate siblings arguing with each other. Each child needs to learn to stand up for himself and to take care of himself, so you can let them battle it out—to a point.



But watch and listen. If they’re expressing their own needs and feelings without hurting the other, you can let them try to work it out between them. If they cross the line into name calling, wicked words and mean behavior, that’s the time to intervene. Don’t take sides. Just point out the unacceptable behavior and words and guide them toward an appropriate discussion. Tell them it’s okay to disagree, but they have to express themselves in ways that don’t put down, ridicule or hurt the other. These are helpful lessons for kids to learn, not only when they’re young, but as they mature and also as adults.



Research shows that children with poor sibling relationships are at higher risk for behavior problems and that sibling bullying is strongly correlated to peer bullying. Responsible parenting involves helping your children learn to work through disagreements without hurting or abusing each other either physically or verbally. Every time your children behave badly, it’s an opportunity to talk with them about respectful ways to handle arguments and sensitive ways to treat other people—even their siblings.