Parents have to deal with sibling rivalry on a regular basis. Children who have not learned how to deal with their anger can actually inflict emotional harm on each other if their emotions are left unchecked. However, parents can help their children find a more harmonious existence with each other by using consistent consequences for bad behavior and plenty of praise for good behavior
Do your children seem to constantly fuss and fight? Have you taken on the endless role of referee? Do you crave peace and harmony? You're not alone! Sibling rivalry is a common, albeit often unpleasant, sight in most homes. After all, your children didn't have the option to choose each other for brothers or sisters. They might have chosen their friends, but not their siblings, and somehow, they must learn to coexist together and, hopefully, form a close relationship with each other. This may be easier said than done, however.
Potential Problems
There may be several different reasons for the problems and conflicts that pop up on a nearly daily basis with your children. The closeness in age of the children and/or the gender of each child can contribute to sibling rivalry. Personality differences can also affect any relationship, and this is not an exception when it comes to siblings. Competition can be extremely fierce between siblings, and jealousy and resentment may build as the years go by. Parental attitude can play a huge part in just how severe sibling rivalry can become.
Differences
Simply the difference in ages can contribute to conflicts between brothers and/or sisters. Older siblings may use the age difference to their advantage, pointing out the ineptness of their younger brother or sister and emphasizing their own superiority. Children who are close in age may enjoy playing together one minute and fighting the next, and this is to be expected. Gender differences can also cause problems. Siblings may not have much in common with each other, or they may resent the attention that the other sibling receives simply because of his or her gender.
Differences in personality can also wreak havoc in a relationship. Some children are introverts, preferring to spend their time quietly reading, working on projects, or playing with only one or two friends at a time. Others are extroverts who love group sports and games, crave excitement, and are very vocal about their wants and needs. Conflicts can easily arise because of a lack of understanding and tolerance between the siblings.