Conflict is a natural part of human behavior. Whether your children study in an international school in the Philippines or elsewhere, conflicts between them can cause problems if not resolved properly.
Sibling conflicts are a common occurrence and are considered to be something that is inevitable. These instances can begin with simple teasing, arguments, competition, and may escalate into physical altercations. They create unhealthy family relationships that can impact your children both physically and emotionally.
This is why it is critical to learn how to manage these conflicts in order to be able to foster healthier relationships. Here are some strategies that can help you manage sibling conflicts and develop a healthier dynamic between your children.
Identify the root cause of the conflict
Sibling conflict can be caused by numerous factors and can range from simple arguments to deeper-rooted quarrels. For example, one sibling is arguing over not receiving the same amount of attention, or it can be a conflict that stemmed from jealousy over another sibling’s achievements. This makes identifying the root cause of the conflict very important, as you would be able to understand where each sibling is coming from
Listen to each of your children’s side of the story
Disagreements between siblings are usually struggles about who is right or wrong. This is why it is important to listen to both sides in order to assess matters fairly without showing bias to one of them.
Children feel better when they know that they’re being listened to whole-heartedly by their parents. Listening to each side allows you to make a rational and informed decision that can help you resolve the conflict without it having to escalate further.
Avoid a culture of comparison in the family
Comparison is another root cause of sibling conflicts, as one sibling may feel that she is not as good or better than the other. It is best to avoid a culture of comparison in the family as this can cause toxic interactions and relationships among family members.
Instead, try to teach each sibling to respect each other’s views and achievements. This can help them appreciate each other’s feelings and be there for each other at times when they feel challenged.
Be firm when making decisions that settle the issue
Being upfront and honest with your children helps them build trust at a young age and is crucial in guiding them towards maintaining healthy relationships in the future. The same can be said for making decisions that would resolve a particular conflict. It is important to stick with your decision to ensure that your children would understand and respect your role as a parent.
Being consistent with your decisions is an essential element for building trust and harmony in a family as it helps your children become more mature by helping them understand the consequences of their squabbles.
Key Takeaway
While sibling conflicts are a natural occurrence, it is important as parents to be able to properly resolve these disputes in order to help foster stronger family ties. With these effective strategies, you would be able to manage sibling conflicts soundly while also establishing respect and discipline in your family.
