Sibling rivalry happens often in homes with more than one child and can be due to a plethora of reasons but sometimes it is because each child has different social activities. Once child can be into sports and have a certain group of friends with the same interests while the other child is into academics, theater or music and their friends are different as well.

These differences can cause children to argue or not get along well because their interests are so different from each other and of course, their friends are from different dynamics. One child may feel that the other one doesn’t understand their interests or that they are not as important because of what they like to do. It is important as parents to show equal praise and understanding for both children so that the sibling rivalry can be lessened. If one child believes that the parents are more proud of their siblings because of awards won or titles held, it can cause more issues than normal. That is why you must make sure that both children feel the same amount of love.

This can happen as well in households where one child is into many different activities and the other child isn’t into much at all. The child that doesn’t care for sports or academic clubs may feel left out or not as important and this can cause resentment. Always let your children know that they are important no matter what their interests in life even if it is something you didn’t expect them to enjoy or would rather them find another hobby. Children will choose what they like to do and while this can be surprising to some parents, let them find their own way. Allowing them to choose can make it easier to get along with their siblings by feeling accepted.

Sibling rivalry is common but siblings can be close friends as well and as a parent you can foster this relationship by adhering to a few guidelines that will teach your children to get along.

First of all, make sure you treat each child equally. Nothing fosters a sibling rivalry faster than jealousy and if one child feels like the other is loved more (even if that isn’t the case at all) that child may feel resentment towards the sibling in question. Focus your time equally with each child and always show the same amount of love and caring to both children so that no one feels left out.

Get your children to do things together. This can start with you as the parent by taking trips with both children and doing things as a team. If the two children are close in age this may be easier than with a large difference in ages but either way it can be done easily. If you choose to visit a park or work on a project include both children. An older child may feel like they don’t want to participate so be sure it is something that both siblings will enjoy equally such as a theme park visit or even going out to dinner as a group.

Praise both children when they do something well no matter how small it is. One child may be better in school than the other but focus on things that the other child does such as sports or being in a play at school. The little things are just as important.

You children will fight from time to time but by promoting their friendship you can be sure that they will have the guidelines to be in a healthy and friendly relationship for years to come.