Navigating Sibling Disputes

This post is inspired by this funny America’s Home Video
Perhaps you have seen it, it’s called the Cookie Cracker Conundrum! Each sibling has a perspective, now how do you help them navigate the argument? Dr. Siggie has a solution!

Here is a summary of her thoughts:

1. 🎯 Your goal is not to stop the fighting. Your goal is to teach your kids how to fight well, with understanding and communication.
Every connection is bound to have friction.
A fight is not bad behavior, it’s human behavior.
Instead of: “Why are you always fighting?!”
Try: “It’s okay to fight. Everyone fights. And then we learn how to get through it.” 💬🌈

2. 🚫 Don’t Take Sides! Don’t make one the victim and the other the bully, no matter how it seems this way to you.
Instead of: “What did YOU do?!”
Try: “You each tell me what happened one at a a time. I want to hear you both.”👂🏼👦

3. 👦👧 Your kids can’t only be the problem. The must also be the solution (or part of it).
Hear them, and before jumping in to solve it yourself for them—
Ask: “What would you two (or 3 etc) like to do about this? I bet you have some ideas.” 💡🤔

If you have a children with learning or thinking differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, you may see more fighting. Check out understood.org for free parenting recources, professional help, and most of all a community of other parents and caregivers.