Brothers and Sisters in Harmony
3/1/2008
Do you remember that Coke commercial that featured hippy-looking folks singing on a hill? I'll just remind you of the words to the song. "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony." Well, Most parents say " forget the world - I'd settle for teaching my own kids to be in harmony!"
One of the biggest challenges as parents is keeping our kids from killing each other! Often, when I'm asked about how to deal with sibling rivalry, I will say this- Start young! Let your kids know from the very beginning that you expect them to treat each other kindly and that it is never okay to hurt each other. Make it a family rule that there is to be no hitting, pinching, punching, biting or kicking! And have consequences for everyone involved when fights happen.
You have to be consistent and firm. Parents, you are the leaders in teaching your kids how to get along. You teach by what you say AND by the way you act! Tell them often that people in families treat each other with kindness and then - make sure you are modeling that yourself. And maybe one day, together, you all can sing in Harmony - or at least LIVE that way.
Posted By: jonealkirby | 67 views
Tags: arguing, brothers, family, parenting, sibling rivalry, sisters
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