Sibling drama is the bane of parenthood. Yes, there are more serious issues, but admit it, nothing makes you wanna pull your hair out at the roots as much as listening to your kids fight and bicker over the most inane things. All kids do it. Be wary of any parent that claims their kids don’t fight – their pants are so totally going to burst into flames at any minute.
So how do you cope with the constant clash of personalities? I’m by no means a parenting expert. I don’t claim to be one. I don’t even play one on TV. But I have three kids, all an average of two and a half years apart, two of which are black belts in Tang Soo Do. I can’t just shrug off their bickering because, left unchecked, we could have an ER visit on our hands.
First thing’s first: Make sure they’re not hungry. While we like to joke about being “hangry”, the phenomenon actually has science behind it. A drop in blood sugar can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, confusion, trouble concentrating, and emotional volatility. When the kids get home from school, they’re probably more hungry than they realize. Try carrot sticks and hummus, popcorn and nuts, or apples and maple sunflower butter.
Once that’s tackled, keep them busy. I’m not suggesting your entertain your children every minute of the day. No way, no how am I doing that! Just keep a decent collection of ideas for activities in your head (or better yet, make a list and hang it in your house). As much as I refuse to lecture about screen time, it will not keep your kids mentally stimulated and stimulation is key. Books, art supplies, dry erase boards and markers, even empty boxes and toilet paper rolls can supply hours of drama-free playtime inspiration.
Last but not least, spend time talking with your kids about important life skills like negotiating and team work. Take it a step further and work to instill a sense of empathy and compassion in your children. Because you won’t be able to stop every fight and quell every quarrel, but if you manage to raise productive members of society you’ll have accomplished the most important feat in parenting.