In many families, the scene of siblings scrambling for toys, gossiping, and being angry is not uncommon. Many parents are tired and sigh because they think "children are like that". But in reality, sibling feelings do not come naturally, they are formed from the way parents teach their children to treat each other every day.
If nurtured correctly, siblings are not only harmonious, but also know how to protect each other, love each other like a team. Conversely, if parents handle things wrongly, this relationship can easily become jealousy and distant relations that last until adulthood.
1. Parents should absolutely not be biased even once.
The biggest mistake that makes siblings lose unity is that parents are inadvertently biased. A saying like "The older child must yield", "The younger child should be prioritized" repeated many times will make the older child feel disadvantaged, and the younger child develops a habit of dependence.
Prejudice not only makes children angry with each other, but also makes children lose faith in their parents.
2. Don't turn your child into an opponent with comparisons
Comparing in the style of "Why aren't you as good as me", "Look at me being so obedient and studying" seems to be promoting, but in fact it is sowing seeds of hostility. Children will not try for love, but try to compete.
If parents want their children to be harmonious, they must suppress negative competition from the beginning.
3. Teach children to resolve conflicts instead of whispering
When children argue, many parents only judge who is right and who is wrong. But what children need to learn is how to talk and negotiate.
Parents can guide their children with simple sentences such as "Say clearly what you are upset about" and "What do you want your siblings to do to make you happier?" Children who are trained in communication will know how to yield and understand each other better.
4. Assign common tasks for children to form a team
If you want your child to be close, give them the feeling "we are a group". For example, tidying up the table together, folding toys together, watering plants together, or doing small housework together.
When you children complete one task together, you will see that your siblings are not opponents, but teammates.
5. Praise kindness among children instead of just praising achievements
Many parents only praise when their children are good at studying, but forget to praise when their children know how to yield to their siblings and protect their siblings.
A sentence "Mom sees you know how to protect your sibling, Mom is very proud" will help children understand that love is something worth recognizing.
6. Spend time alone with each child
Children are easily jealous when they feel abandoned. If parents only take care of the baby, the older one will be hurt and vent their anger on the younger one.
Therefore, even when busy, parents should still spend private time for each child, just 10 minutes each day is enough for children to feel loved.
Siblings may argue when they are young, but if parents raise them correctly, the children will grow up with strong feelings. And one day, siblings themselves will be the ones to protect each other when parents cannot be by their side.
