Sibling rivalry is a common at every home and every mother faces a lot of problem in managing them. Parents become referee of the fight between their children and this makes the situation even more difficult for them. Nevertheless, here are some parenting tips for managing sibling rivalry. Never show favoritism: It is a universal truth that every mother loves their children equally but at times she gives a little more attention to one of them than the other and this creates all the problems. Favoritism is the main reason for sibling rivalry and you should treat both the children equally and give equal punishment as by giving concession to one may make the other feel neglected and this may in turn hamper the other kid emotionally. Never compare one with the other: Comparison may created differences among the kids and may build inferiority complex. Every individual is not same and are gifted with different abilities so try focusing on their strengths rather then comparing one with the other. By doing this you will be able to bring out their potential and make them aware of their own potential and will never create any kind of complexities in their lives. Praise your kids: Everyone wants to be praised and even the kids. So praise them when they play well together without fighting. This will encourage them to play together and not fight and this will put an end to the sibling rivalry. Make the older sibling feel important: Make your older sibling feel important by bringing gift for him/her if you buy something to the new baby. This will make them feel that they are important. Let the older one do some work for the baby and unwrap the gifts of the new baby as this will make them feel their importance and need. Make the older one know about the new baby who is about to come: It is very essential to make your first child mentally prepared for the new member coming to your family. Make them friends before birth so that the older one is able to welcome the new baby with open arms. Let the older one talk to the baby in your womb and making him feel the presence of the new baby inside you. This will help them to easily accept their younger sibling and there will be little or no chance of sibling rivalry. Give equal time to both: The problem comes when the older sibling sees you spending more time with the new born baby. So it is very essential that you spend equal time with the older one. This will not make them feel left out and will be sure that you love the older one as you used to do before. Reward them for proper behavior: Rewards are a great motivation for kids and if you set up a rule that you will reward the one who behaves properly and does not fight and punishment for the ones who does not will help you in managing them better. This will help you in inculcating positive behavior in your kids and will put an end to the sibling rivalry.
