Ideas on sibling rivalry and how to handle it

The kids are fighting and their rivalry is about to drive mom and dad crazy.

Name-calling, arguing, or physically fighting — sibling rivalry can take many forms and escalate quickly, according to the Center for Parenting Education.

House rules are an essential starting point, even though the kids will ignore them. Some examples: words only in a dispute and boundaries for personal possessions and spaces.

Once the rules are in place, walk older children through the stages of conflict resolution: each child expresses their point of view and listens to the other. Then, they generate possible solutions, and decide on one together.

Use a ‘green light to red light’ guideline to decide when to intervene.

Usual bickering or name-calling signifies a green light and parents should stay out of it.

An orange light means that there is a potential of play fighting turning real. Parents should intervene to tone down the emotions.

If physical or emotional harm is about to or has already occurred, this is a red light and demands that the parent intervene immediately, review the rules, and impose consequences.